01/12/04 Innovation Key to Growth in Inflatable Sports Ball Market New designs, materials, technology and licenses expected for 2004. Huffy® Sports Company, a world-leading manufacturer of basketball systems, inflatable sports balls and other sporting goods products, is rolling out a number of new designs, materials and licenses in support of its inflatable sports ball line. Since entering the category just a few years ago, Huffy Sports has made significant strides, growing its business by offering retailers an alternative to traditional basketballs, footballs, soccer balls and volleyballs. "Since we're new to the inflatable category, we don't have any preconceived notions about how products should be developed," said Patrick Ehren, vice president of sales and marketing for Huffy Sports Company. "We're open to new ball and packaging designs as well as emerging technologies and materials. We can look at the category from every angle." This open-minded approach to product development resulted in several unique products in 2003, including Optix™ a series of brightly colored, highly visible basketballs and soccer balls. Optix balls are available in a variety of colors, including neon orange and green. Huffy Sports also unveiled Frixion™ balls, which are made from a soft, easy-to-grip material allowing for optimum handling and safety. Finally, the company rolled out a series of Gripz™ balls, which feature a pebbled cover for maximum grip and control. In addition to its line of unique, specialty balls, Huffy Sports took significant steps to compete with more traditional, higher-end balls in 2003. The company released Limited™, a basketball built for high-level performance and improved ball control. The ball's high-density composite leather exterior and wide beveled shooting channels help to improve ball handling and shooter rotation. "We're competing at all price points and performance levels," Ehren said. "Initially, we got into the market at entry price points, but our focus has always been on innovation and materials. As a result, consumers and retailers see Huffy Sports as a brand that provides superior materials and craftsmanship for the price. We see no limitations on where we can go." In addition to launching several new balls in 2003, Huffy Sports also expanded its merchandising programs, offering retailers a variety of temporary and permanent bin displays. The company also rolled out a line of portable soccer and hockey goals to complement its inflatable offering and signed an exclusive deal to become the official match ball for the SuperClubs National Championship, an elite soccer tournament for clubs throughout the United States. In 2004, Huffy Sports will continue to make moves to strengthen its position within the inflatable sports ball category. The company recently announced two new licensing deals with the Street Basketball Association and the National Soccer League. Huffy Sports is the official game day ball provider and will produce a licensed retail ball for both leagues. The company will also be showing a variety of new ball concepts and designs to sporting goods buyers at The Super Show in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 12 - 14, booth 1084S. Based on buyer feedback, a number of new balls will be developed for later this spring and summer. For more information about Huffy Sports' new lineup of inflatable sports balls, call 1-800-558-5234. Additional company information can be found online at huffysports.com. Huffy Sports Company is a division of Huffy Corporation (NYSE-HUF), a diversified sporting goods company, marketing basketball equipment, sports balls and other outdoor games under the Huffy Sports, Hydra-RIB® and Sure Shot® brands; bicycles and wheeled products under the Huffy®, Royce Union®, Micro® and Airborne® brands; golf equipment under the Tommy Armour®, Ram®, Teardrop® and Zebra® brands; snowboards and accessories under the LTD®, Lamar® and Sims® brands; Hespeler® hockey equipment; Volant® ski equipment; and a variety of action sports items including skateboards, inline skates, and helmets under the UltraWheels®, Rage® and Dukes® brands, and markets a variety of products as a licensee under Disney®, Oxygen®, Airwalk®, NBA® and NCAA® trademarks; and is a leading provider of assembly and merchandising services to retailers.