Since the 1997 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Toronto, Columbia Sportswear has supplied apparel to Team USA for two World Games�and the support continues.

	Gert Boyle, Chairman, Columbia Sportswear

Columbia has been named the official general wear supplier of Special Olympics Team USA for the 2003 World Summer Games in Ireland. All 1,300 Team USA athletes and coaches will wear Columbia Sportswear from head to toe, including the latest Titanium Multi-Sport line, a highly technical line dedicated specifically to outdoor aerobic activity. Athletes will sport Columbia's latest trail running shoes from its newest Titanium Trail Running line. Additionally, Team USA will wear Columbia's Breeze Chaser Jacket, Flexi-Lite II Jacket, Trail Grinder Tee and Yorkstone Short, to name a few.

"We are very excited about our continued involvement with Special Olympics Team USA," said Gert Boyle, Columbia Sportswear's Chairman of the Board. "The overflowing sportsmanship and camaraderie at the World Games is so addicting that Columbia Sportswear is honored to partner with an organization such as Special Olympics. I look forward to traveling to Ireland to cheer on these fine athletes."

Founded in 1938 in Portland, Ore., Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear brands in the world and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the company has developed an international reputation for quality, performance, functionality and value. To learn more about Columbia Sportswear, visit http://www.columbia.com/.

Daniel Kam

A 19-year-old swimmer from Honolulu, Hawaii, Daniel Kam, is heading to Ireland to compete in the Special Olympics World Summer Games. He could be considered a species of fish as he lives in the water, not only as a past member of his high school swim team, but also as a past competitor with the Rainbow Aquatics Swim team, where he continues to practice. He has been a registered member of the USA Swimming Team in Hawaii since 1994.

Daniel is described by coaches and staff as a soft spoken and humble individual with a wonderful attitude about life in general. He will be competing in the freestyle and Individual Medley swimming events in Ireland. Daniel participates in many other Special Olympics sponsored sports including basketball, bowling, track, soccer and softball.

Though Hawaii seems quite a distance from the rest of the United States, Daniel thought hard about what he would do to entertain himself on the long plane ride to Ireland.

"I will play with my Game Boy, especially the racing games," said Kam. "I also like the Three Stooges game," he laughingly added.

Daniel's father, Wes, who also coaches softball for Special Olympics, praised the organization. "Special Olympics has given Daniel a lot of self-confidence and built his self-esteem. The group he associates with, the Mighty Ducks, has a very strong network of families that encourage and support all the athletes." He added that through this organization, Daniel has made a large number of friends and the activities keep him pretty busy all year round. "We are very grateful for the wonderful coaches and volunteers who work with the athletes and helped to build Daniel's athletic progress."

Daniel resides in Honolulu with his mom and dad, Lynette and Wes, and sister, Jenna-Lynn, who are all planning to make the trip to Ireland. Jenna-Lynn joins in Special Olympics activities by assisting the coaches for track & field and softball. She also participates in some of the Unified activities by acting as a "buddy" to other athletes.