Today Nike celebrates the return of college football by highlighting the Oregon Ducks uniform innovation – the most advanced football uniform system to date. The Ducks will kick off their season on September 1 wearing the fully integrated uniform system that debuted at the Rose Bowl earlier this year. The new uniform incorporates pinnacle performance innovation and design while providing enhanced thermoregulation and more durability with the inclusion of Nike Chain Maille Mesh – a lightweight ultra-breathable material – used in both the jersey and pant.

"Our goal is to help build better athletes by providing them with state-of-the-art-innovation combined with a deep knowledge and understanding of Oregon’s heritage and the uniform chassis that the Ducks will wear is the next evolution in football innovation," said Todd Van Horne, Nike’s Creative Director for Football. "With the integration of Chain Maille Mesh into the jersey as well as the functional winged pattern on the shoulders, this is truly the lightest, fastest football uniform we’ve ever made."

While the uniform has made the team more recognizable, it is Oregon’s commitment to innovation and building better athletes that allows the team to take its place among the nation’s most elite programs. 

"Nike has always done a tremendous job of integrating the input they have gathered from our players with a cutting-edge technology that maximizes their performance on the field," Oregon Head Coach Chip Kelly said. "Every year I ask how they possibly can surpass their previous innovations and every year they deliver. Once again, Nike has set the standard in revolutionary uniform design."

About the new uniform chassis
From the cleats to the base layer, to the gloves and helmet, the Ducks’ uniform represents the pinnacle in game-day innovation for speed. As launched during the Rose Bowl, the latest development of Nike Chain Maille Mesh technology is the ultimate in breathable uniform design. These innovations coupled with durable, lightweight padding provide athletes with a complete on-field suit of armor.

- Eleven different materials in the Nike Pro Combat uniform (jersey and pant), and 16 different materials in the complete system of dress – each to address the specific needs of the athlete in game situations.

- Nike Chain Maille Mesh material incorporated into the back and under the arms in the jersey, as well as down the sides of the pant for exceptional ventilation without sacrificing durability. The new Nike Chain Maille Mesh integration also emphasizes improved thermoregulation, including the Nike Pro Combat Deflex padding layer, which has a baselayer constructed with fabric selected for its ability to help keep the body cool and wick away sweat – making the uniform, and player, lighter and dryer.

- A redesigned base layer that facilitates the uniform’s overall innovation, delivering the ultimate in lightweight protection for maximum speed. The base layer in the pant also features customizable protection that incorporates a thin, incredibly strong carbon fiber plate that can be placed on the thigh padding where needed.

- Strategically placed seams, pads and cooling zones that help minimize distraction and optimize protective coverage. Robust padding, without the bulk, has also been added to offer optimal low-profile impact protection specifically throughout the crucial “hit zone” between the knees and shoulders.

- Nike Pro Combat Deflex padding integrated in the hip and knee areas of the pant for crucial impact protection that stays in place.

- A Flywire collar eliminating two layers of fabric for improved breathability, providing a more stable anchor to keep the jersey in place.

- The uniform wouldn’t be complete without combining these innovations with a nod to the Duck’s evolution, not only in color but also in design. This includes a new wing design on the shoulders specifically engineered to provide maximum strength in the shoulder area while the spacing of the feathers allows for even greater mobility.

- The completely re-designed number system was inspired by the shape of a mallard’s feathers. These larger, bolder numbers maximize legibility on-field and accent the uniform colorway.

To celebrate the launch of the new CTR360 Maestri III boot, Nike has created a new film featuring the world’s leading playmaker Andrés Iniesta, starring as a puppet master on the pitch. The FC Barcelona midfielder expertly pulls the strings dominating the midfield and dictating the pace of the game as a tiny figure on a miniature football pitch theatre set. 

In the film Iniesta wears Nike’s completely re-designed CTR 360 Maestri III: the boots for the midfield maestro. Maestri – meaning Maestro in Italian – is the boot favoured by midfield players like Iniesta who rely on innovative performance features to enhance their control of the ball, and therefore the game itself.

He is the player with impeccable ball control, the player who receives the ball, makes his own time and space and has both the vision and the range of passing to create game changing opportunities.

On shooting and starring in the video Iniesta said: “It was fun to shoot; it is always good to do something a little different from the norm."

He added: "The CTR 360 III Maestri is the main tool of my trade, it’s what makes me feel comfortable on the pitch, secure when I touch the ball, when I want to dribble or make a play. It’s important to feel comfortable in your boots, and I do."

The new CTR360 Maestri III is reengineered to deliver enhanced control, traction, support and lightweight comfort.  Using next generation Kanga-Lite synthetic material for an assured touch and durability, the new boot also features new All Conditions Control (ACC) technology, providing the same level of control in either dry or wet conditions. 

Innovations include a revamped 3D control pad that uses separate strips with fins of varying sizes to hug the arch and maximize contact with the ball, optimizing receiving and passing accuracy.

An asymmetrical lacing system enlarges the area used to control the ball and a new streamlined design enhances touch sensitivity. A dimpled texture on the midfoot increases friction, once again aiding the players control and touch.

The new and more responsive plate features a 360 degree stud placement – the boot deploys round studs on the medial side and blades on the lateral – is designed to provide premium comfort; perfect for the midfielder’s constant turns, and cuts through the pitch.

LeBron James arrived in Shanghai on Aug. 23 to help kick off the second Nike+ Festival of Sport 2012 at the Shanghai Stadium. The free, four-day festival is aimed at increasing participation in sports in China, and gives attendees an opportunity to play a variety of sports and see world-class athletes in action. Featured sports include basketball, football (soccer), running, action sports, American football, ping pong, badminton, tennis, and NIKE+ competitions.

LeBron joined Yi Jianlian, Amar'e Stoudemire, Rudy Gay and Paul George to fire up the basketball crowds. The superstars mingled with fans and attended a few events, and LeBron gave away 10 pairs of LEBRON X sneakers.

Other athletes from across the sports spectrum are also attending the festival including skateboarders Eric Koston, Omar Salazar, Stefan Janoski and Theotis Beasley. Keep watching NikeInc.com for more updates from the Festival of Sport.

Emotions ran high tonight at The Chance final as the 100 finalists were cut to 52. The players who had put so much into their three days of hard training were told if they would be going on to tomorrow’s semi-final and the chance to further impress the coaches.

After their dinner, the finalists were visited by a special guest David Luiz, and it was the Brazilian international who congratulated the remaining 52. For the disappointed 48 though, there were words of encouragement from the head coach, Jimmy Gilligan.

"Every player has been evaluated and debated upon by a very high calibre of coaching and scouting staff. It was a tough decision and a very emotional evening. I would say that we haven’t shattered dreams but derailed them and I would say to the guys leaving us that they now have to show a strong mentality and keep pursuing their goals."

For the 52 remaining finalists, David Luiz had these words of congratulation. "When I was 14, I was rejected by one club and so I know what it is like to get a second chance. I was so hungry to fulfill my dream and I am sure they are too. Now they have to keep fighting. For the next two days they must give their body and soul."

# 40 Raoul Lombardo, Italy                  

# 72 Petar Golubovic, Serbia

# 93 Vladyslav Kolisnyk, Ukraine

# 7 Dario Van Den Buijs, Belgium

# 32 Dimitris Komnos, Greece

# 92 Jose Figura, United Kingdom

# 51 Emilio Rodea, Mexico

# 64 Kamil Piotrowski, Poland

# 100 Brian Iloski, United States

# 38 Andrea Ciribilli, Italy

# 11 Piero Malerba, Chile

# 57 Carlos Batista, Panama

# 16 Kevin David Salazar, Colombia

# 54 Ritchie  Steinmann, Netherlands

# 79 Gonzalo Balbi, Spain

# 43 Yuki Yamanouchi, Japan

# 9 Jamerson Neves, Brazil

# 46 Young Jae Seo, Korea

# 90 Asleigh Artwell, United Kingdom

# 68 Kirill Laptev, Russia

# 81 José Manuel Barba, Spain

# 95 Jose Miguel Barreto, Uruguay

# 27 David Fernandes, France

# 44 Sang Jun Lee, Korea

# 76 Teboho Charlie Tsotetsi, South Africa

# 97 Bryan Windsor, United States

# 52 Darryl Bobson, Holland

# 37 Avishay Cohen, Israel

# 39 Marco Di Lauro, Italy

# 61 Fernando Canales, Peru

# 18 Josip Gusković, Croatia

# 24 Joel Bravo, Ecuador

# 84 Napapon Sripratheep, Thailand

# 60 Maurizio Costa, Paraguay

# 10 Tomás José Gellona,  Chile

# 31 Bismark Kwarteng, Ghana

# 47 Alexis Khazzaka, Lebanon

# 74 Martin Kostal, Slovak Republic

# 3 Jorge Vallejos, Argentina

# 25 Xavier Delgado, Ecuador

# 2 Tomás Arrachea, Argentina

# 28 Matthieu Pironnet, France

# 65 Nuno Costa, Portugal

# 8 Wallace Camilo, Brazil

# 77 Melusi Zulu, South Africa,

# 6 Ismail H’Maidat, Belgium

# 78 Saifeddine Alami, Spain

# 83 Bubakary Sonko, Sweden

# 41 Ryosuke Kinoshita, Japan

# 73 Faris Bin Abdul Ramli, Singapore

# 96 Santiago Cabezudo, Uruguay

# 34 Dávid Jakab, Hungary

Visit The Chance homepage on NikeInc.com to follow the daily action at the finals.

“It was hard today but I think I did OK. Whatever happens later, we will support each other. Thanks to this experience, I have learned so much about other cultures and have made genuinely great friends from all over the world.” -- Jonathan Lama 18, USA

Despite the tension surrounding the last training session for The Chance 100 finalists before their numbers are reduced, the players didn't let up in the quality of their play and are hoping they've done enough to get into tomorrow’s semi-final.

For 48 finalists, though, today will be their last day playing in Barcelona as tonight sees the 100 cut to 52. The players did all they could on another sweltering day in Spain.

"I was very impressed today,” said Chris Quidley, one of The Chance coaches. "It could have been very tense and affected the day’s quality, but for me it was the opposite. Within my group, the standard was up on Monday and Tuesday. The guys were nice and relaxed and that was shown in the shooting drill we did. The players were firing them in, with great skill -- a sure sign they are relaxed. That was very impressive."

The players will have to wait until tonight to see if they have made the cut and will also be visited at their hotel by Brazilian international defender David Luiz. They'll then take an amazing trip to Camp Nou to watch FC Barcelona play. 

Visit The Chance homepage on NikeInc.com to follow the daily action at the finals.

“It was great to play matches. Training is fine but it is in matches that you can really express yourself, it is in matches that I feel most comfortable.” -- Ismail H’Maidat 17, Belgium

Training drills and exercises were replaced today with the real thing as the final 52 players in Barcelona were asked to play 11v11 games in order to impress the judges in a bid to make the Final 26 at tomorrow’s Mini Estadi.

Split into four teams, the 52 finalists took to one of the impressive pitches at FC Barcelona’s training ground in an attempt to show off their ability in real match situations and the coaches were not disappointed.

"The games were very good," says Joan Marmol who coached one of the sides. “These guys have never played together but I felt they looked like they had been together for years. That is the sign of good players.”

Another team coach, Darren Jones, was satisfied that the players had done their best.“ I looked at the players afterwards and they had given their all. I had told them not to have any regrets and I think all of them can be proud of themselves,” he said.

The 52 players now must wait until this evening when they will hear whether they have done enough to be one of the 26 that plays in tomorrow’s final at FC Barcelona’s Mini Estadi. “It’s a nervous wait,” says Jose Figura of the UK. “I just tried to do my best and more importantly be myself.” 

 Visit The Chance homepage on NikeInc.com to follow the daily action at the finals.

LeBron James spent the last day of his Nike China tour making the rounds at the Nike+ Festival of Sport 2012 in Shanghai. The four-day festival is aimed at encouraging sports participation in China and features a variety of sports and superstar athletes, drawing thousands of attendees.

LeBron took a break from the courts to play beach volleyball with Chinese national team players Xue Cheng and Zhang Xi. He also played some ping pong and worked out at the Nike Training Club area. He then joined Amar'e Stoudemire, Rudy Gay and Paul George to judge the Nike+ Basketball Vertical Dunk Challenge. Other judges included Chinese men's national team assistant coach Li Nan, American football superstar LaDainian Tomlinson and skateboarders Eric Koston, Omar Salazar, Stefan Janoski and Theotis Beasley. 

"The Festival of Sport is a great stage for kids to try out various sports," LeBron said. "The passion here is amazing. I'm blessed to be a part of it."

With a vertical height of 43.7 inches, Heng Wang from Beijing bested four other finalists at the Greater China Nike+ Basketball dunk showcase at Shanghai's Nike+ Festival of Sport 2012 on Friday. The contest, open to participants internationally this summer, featured judges including LeBron James, Amar'e Stoudemire, Rudy Gay, Paul George and Chinese men's national team assistant coach Li Nan. Football player LaDainian Tomlinson as well as skateboarders Eric Koston, Omar Salazar, Stefan Janoski and Theotis Beasley also joined in the judging.

Nike+ Basketball measures how high, how hard and how quickly players complete. Players competing in the showcase wore the Nike Hyperdunk+, which is connected to the Nike+ Basketball mobile app.

Aside from the slam dunk showcase, Nike+ trial zones were set up for festival attendees to experience how "information is motivation." Rudy Gay and Paul George also stopped by the trial zones to check out the action.

Next up: A Live Dunk Showcase in Berlin on Aug. 27. LeBron will serve as the official judge for the Nike+ Global Dunk Showcase Finals.

The finalists had to endure another nerve wracking afternoon and evening as the head coach Jimmy Gilligan and his staff made their tough choices on which 26 would play in tomorrow’s final game at FC Barcelona’s Mini Estadi.

Once again, the announcement was made after dinner, with half of today’s semi-finalists told they had done enough to carry on in the competition. “The final 26 have conducted themselves so well this week and have shown me that not only are they the best here, but that they can take further steps and represent the Nike Academy in the future.”

For the other half it was hard to take but their mood was buoyed by a visit from former Inter Milan star Marco Materazzi. The Azzuri legend had these words of advice for the talented youngsters, who have one last chance to impress when they play tomorrow.

“The final 26 have done so well to make it to the final game. Now though they have to sleep well and arrive at the final with real hunger. It is the hungry ones that will succeed. On the pitch they must be themselves and do the simple things well. That is the secret.”  

#40 Raoul Lombardo, Italy                  

#3 Jorge Vallejos, Argentina

#6 Ismail H’Maidat, Belgium

#8 Wallace Camilo, Brazil

#11 Piero Malerba, Chile

#27 David Fernandes, France

#43 Yuki Yamanouchi, Japan

#46 Young Jae Seo, Korea

#68 Kirill Laptev, Russia

#72 Petar Golubovic, Serbia

#76 Teboho Charlie Tsotetsi, South Africa

#77  Melusi Zulu, South Africa

#93 Vladyslav Kolisnyk, Ukraine

#54 Ritchie  Steinmann, Netherlands

#7 Dario Van Den Buijs, Belgium

#16 Kevin David Salazar, Colombia

#24 Joel Bravo, Ecuador

#32 Dimitris Komnos, Greece

#39 Marco Di Lauro, Italy

#41 Ryosuke Kinoshita, Japan

#64 Kamil Piotrowski, Poland

#78 Saifeddine Alami, Spain

#79 Gonzalo Balbi, Spain

#83 Bubakary Sonko, Sweden

#92 Jose Figura, United Kingdom

#100 Brian Iloski, United States

Visit The Chance homepage on NikeInc.com to follow the daily action at the finals.

Jump, squat, bend, leap, kick, run – the mid-cut shoe is designed to let an athlete move
in the most dynamic performances.

Popularized by basketball players that needed support for jumping but enough flexibility
for fast directional changes to sprint down court, Nike created a lightweight Air Max
Mid shoe for women going from the studio to the street.

With the signature Max Air unit in the heel for comfort, impact protection and
cushioning, the ¾ height shoe is made to withstand a two-hour workout class or two-hour jaunt through
town.

The shoe is lightweight and breathable, and features full-length, multidirectional and
anatomical flex grooves so busy feet can move in a natural motion. There’s also an EVA
foam sockliner for extra cushioning and comfort directly underfoot.

Besides innovative design and built-in comfort, contrast color- lining provides pops of
color and style so fashionable athletes don’t have to worry about their footwear when
changing from studio to street. With these kicks, women can workout and walk out
without any decision worries.

The best 26 players from the Final 100 played a ‘final’ game at Barcelona’s impressive reserve team stadium, Mini Estadi, under the scrutiny of the Nike Elite Scouts and coaching team as they look to select the final 16 players for the training tour and ultimately a place on the Nike Academy.

The match was played in three sets of 30 minutes as the young footballers took their final chance to make their mark on the competition and win a place in the Final 16.

And Howard Webb, the celebrated English match official, refereed the game in the Spanish sunshine.  He commented: “The quality of the performances were high and I hope to meet some of these players again in a few years when they are playing in the professional game.

“All of the Final 26 players, although under pressure to have a good game and playing with passion and determination, were disciplined out there and that is an important characteristic required if young footballers want to make it at the highest level.”  

The winning 16 players will live the life of an elite footballer and train at the best facilities around the world under the watchful eyes of club coaches and scouts, a golden chance to get noticed and potentially win a professional contract.

From over 100,000 players from 55 countries, to 100 who experienced an intensive week in Barcelona. Now Nike Academy director Jimmy Gilligan and his elite coaching team have chosen the Final 16 players of The Chance 2012.

The Final 16 will now experience the ultimate training tour, visiting some of the best federations, clubs and facilities in the world - with one Nike Academy contract at stake.

They will train at and play against some of the most renowned youth set-ups in global football, including Manchester United, Juventus and the US Soccer Federation.  Under the watchful eye of club coaches and elite scouts, they have the chance to get noticed and potentially win a professional contract.

The Final 100 gathered in Barcelona for one week to train and play in the shadows of Camp Nou at FC Barcelona’s training centre – all with one aim, to make the Final 16.

The group of young footballers was cut to just 26 on the final day of competition which saw the players step out at FC Barcelona’s Mini Estadi – in a semi-final game refereed by celebrated English match official Howard Webb - as the coaches made their final decision on the selection of the best 16.

“To the winners, I say a massive well done,” said Jimmy Gilligan, Head of the Nike Academy. “Out of 100,000 footballers who entered The Chance they are the top 16 and I am looking forward to working with each of them. They should enjoy the moment but there is still a lot of work to be done. We will be taking them on an incredible trip to play some of the best youth teams in the world.”

For Gilligan today’s announcement was the conclusion to a memorable week.  “The Chance programme is so authentic; everything is in place for the coaches, the scouts and the players to work to the best of their abilities.”

The winners were announced at a gala dinner with Laurent Blanc, ambassador of The Chance and former manager of the French Football Federation, as special guest.  He commented: “These players have the talent to go forward and achieve their dreams. The Chance has given these youngsters a unique opportunity and we may well see them in the professional game.”

One of the Final 16, Gonzalo Balbi of Spain said: “I can’t put into words what being here and being selected means to me.  I have just tried to give everything I have to The Chance. I am so happy.”

The Final 16, on accepting their place on the global tour, will depart in January 2013. 

Final 16 winners:

#32 Dimitris Komnos, Greece

#8 Wallace Camilo, Brazil

#27 David Fernandes, France

#83 Bubakary Sonko, Sweden

#77 Melusi Zulu, South Africa

#72 Petar Golubovic, Serbia

#79 Gonzalo  Balbi, Spain

#100 Brian Iloski, United States

#92 Jose Figura, United Kingdon

#7 Dario Van Den Buijs, Belgium

#76 Teboho Charlie Tsotetsi, South Africa

#41 Ryosuke  Kinoshita, Japan

#68 Kirill Laptev, Russia

#78 Saifeddine Alami Bazza, Spain

#6 Ismail H’Maidat, Belgium

#39 Marco Di Lauro, Italy

NIKE athletes demand the best from themselves and their apparel at all times. The NSW Collection, the gold standard in sportswear, takes this expectation to heart, redefining the relationship between craft and sport. The NSW collection elevates off-field apparel with refined silhouettes, expert patterning and exclusive Nike technology. Colors are understated. Details are distinctive. Textiles are premium. It’s craft infused with NIKE DNA. Inspired by Nike’s running roots and featuring the dual-stripes found on traditional track wear, the NSW Fall/Winter 2012 collection evolves classic pieces into sophisticated, sport-infused attire.

	NIKE NSW AIR FLEECE TRACK JACKET A timeless track jacket silhouette with a sculptural outerwear piece combines two layers of black fleece with articulate seaming for superior structure and improved range of motion. A refined black nylon rib on the collar and cuffs plays up its nuanced style.
	NIKE NSW STORM JACKET Based on a late 70s rain track jacket from NIKE archives, this nylon hooded parka adds sophistication to a sportswear staple. Streamlined patterning and navy blue and black color blocking add simple elegance while large envelope pockets and a back vent ensure wearability.
	NIKE NSW KNITTED JACKET Taking its cues from a heritage NIKE Windrunner silhouette, this modified navy blue jacket features a knit body with a tonal nylon upper overlay. A full zipper with zipper pulls, refined trim and inner collar detail exemplify its everyday functionality.
	NIKE NSW KNIT TRACK JACKET A modern take on a track jacket, this simple, black classic features a supple baseball collar with complementary royal blue stripe, toggle hem adjustment and zipper pull.
	NIKE NSW METAL FLEECE HOODIE Uniting a nylon metallic-face grey fabric with an ultra soft bonded lining, this well-loved silhou- ette transforms into outwear. Meanwhile, classic details—like a front pouch pocket—recall the garment’s origins. Structural updates, including seaming details and an expertly patterned flat hood, reveal its premium patterning.
	NIKE NSW QUILTED ANORAK Fusing two street staples, a hoodie and quilted jacket, this cozy black pullover features a side zipper for easy on-and-off. Further, the paper-touch outer and nylon lining keep the garment light- weight while a modified collar, zip-out hood and water-repellent zippers underscore a supreme attention to detail.
	NIKE NSW OVERSIZE RUN JACKET Increasing, yet streamlining a classic running silhouette to create a hooded parka—and adding lightweight insulation, internal storm cuffs, trupunto stitching and refined trim—make this jacket a daily go-to.
	NIKE NSW DOUBLE HEM TEE A twist on a sportswear staple, this heather grey t-shirt unites a super soft marled twist cotton top with a mercerized, fine black cotton, adjustable toggle hem.
	NIKE NSW RACE TEE A nod to a classic running jersey, this updated cotton black t-shirt features modified dolman-like sleeves, a knit-in navy blue stripe and a refined cut for a streamlined silhouette. The garment’s athletic origins come through via a tonal plasticized ink print of the legendary runner Steve Prefontaine’s uniform number.
	NIKE NSW LONG-SLEEVE KNIT CREWNECK Inspired by the look and craft of mid-century running jerseys, updated using NIKE Innovation, this supple, lightweight navy blue crewneck includes black knit-in stripes and complementary black sleeves.
	NIKE NSW KNIT RUNNING SHORT Recalling the elongated shape of Asian running shorts, these tailored, yet casual black bottoms feature a longer leg and a textured double-faced tonal overlay panels for a unique fusion of street and sport.
	NIKE NSW KNIT TRACK PANT The bottom half to a traditional tracksuit, these timeless black pants feature the same elastane stretch fabric as our track jacket for enhanced comfort. Elasticized cuffs, an overlaid back yoke and an understated tonal leg stripe add to the update.
	NIKE NSW WOOL AND WOVEN SWEATPANTS Traditional sweatpants remixed as a woven, these everyday black bottoms feature premium de- tails—from back patch pockets and waistband toggles to a CF fly and elasticized cuffs.
	NIKE FLYKNIT RACER NIKE has engineered knit for performance to create running footwear that features only the essentials. Employing a new technology called Nike Flyknit, yarns and fabric variations are precisely engineered only where they are needed for a featherweight, formfitting and virtually seamless upper. The Nike Flyknit Racer is the marathon shoe that the world’s best runners from all over the world, including those from Kenya, Great Britain, Russia and the US will wear in this spring’s marathons and in London this summer.
	NIKE LUNARFLOW LS AND NIKE LUNARFLOW WOVEN Originally a Bruce Kilgore designed classic, the Nike Lunarflow has been re-visited once again. This contemporary version is a modern design, crafted with soft premium suede and leather uppers, as well as the woven construction that made the original style so breathable, comfortable and popular. They offer advanced cushioning and support through the Lunarlon sole-unit and are a great looking lightweight sneaker.

As the final day of the Nike+ Festival of Sport 2012 wrapped up on August 26, gold medalist, three-time scoring champion and the All Star Game MVP Kevin Durant arrived in Shanghai to ignite the finale.

Durant arrived at Shanghai Stadium and quickly joined in the action, trying his hand at a number of activities including archery, boxing, long jump and an NFL Experience area. During his visit to the festival, Durant spoke about his personal connection to Nike's "Find Your Greatness" campaign this summer.

"Greatness is about perseverance," he said. "I just want to keep training hard and improving and continue on my road to becoming a better basketball player."

The highlight of the festival's final day was the all-star basketball game. Durant, Rudy Gay, Amar'e Stoudemire and Paul George dazzled the crowds alongside Chen Jianghua from the Chinese Men’s National Basketball Team; Miao Lijun and Chen Nan from the Chinese Women’s National Basketball Team; world #1 ranked Chinese Women’s Beach Volleyball team Zhang Xi and Xue Chen; American football Star LaDainian Tomlinson; and Nike Skateboard athletes Eric Koston, Stefan Janoski, Theotis Beasley and Omar Salazar. The back-and-forth game produced some amazing shooting from Durant, who scored off two half-court jumpers in the span of 30 seconds.

Durant led Team Greatness to a 98-97 victory, closing out the activities at the festival. With sports from basketball to football (soccer) to action sports and more, the festival was a fitting finale to China's summer of sports and drew about 200,000 young athletes from across Greater China.

Durant's Nike Greater China Tour 2012 will continue to Xi'An and Hong Kong and wraps up August 31.

Nike Sportswear will launch a new, pearly white design of Air Force 1, the third launch of its Chinese dragon-inspired collection. 

Dragon has long been held in China as a totem of nobility, prosperity and longevity, while pearl suggests a lifestyle of health and wealth. Combining these two elements, Nike designers infuse magic power into the new design.

Just like the initial two seasonal introductions, dragon elements are impeccably integrated and presented. A dragon-scale pattern is embossed on the white leather on the upper while also wrapping around the midsole.

The pearl-colored finish is applied to the pink-and-blue ribbon around Swoosh, rim of the tongue, the counter and the bar bearing XXX, generating an eye-catching look. It carries on with the dragon-in-cloud design on the tongue top and the Chinese character of ‘Long’ (dragon) on the counter. This new edition will be available with silk lining, matching aesthetics with comfort.

This fall edition of the Air Force 1 'Year of the Dragon' will be available September 28.

Hundreds of runners turned out to meet track and field icon Carl Lewis for special training sessions at the Nike+ Run Clubs in Budapest and Prague.

In the lead-up to the We Run Budapest half-marathon and We Run Prague 10k, runners had the opportunity to get inspiration, guidance and training tips from the world’s greatest track and field athlete. 

This Saturday Lewis will make another appearance in support of 8,000 runners at the starting line of We Run Prague, a 10-kilometer race through the historic center of the city.

The 21-kilometer route of the Nike Budapest half marathon also goes through the most beautiful places of the city. The race will be held for the 27th time on September 9.

Budapest and Prague are the first cities in Nike’s “We Run” series connecting 395,500 runners in 34 cities around the world. Learn more about the We Run race series on NikeInc.com.

For the Hungarian and Czech translations of the press release, please download the document at left.

As part of the summer "Find Your Greatness" campaign, Nike hosted Kevin Durant as he toured Greater China from August 26-31. KD attended the finale of the Nike+ Festival of Sport 2012 in Shanghai, continued to Xi An and wrapped up in Hong Kong.

Upon his arrival, Durant posed in front of Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour. The following day he visited Poly University to coach a group of Nike League 2012 basketball players. The players were split into groups to work on fundamental skills under Durant’s coaching. All were thrilled to be sharing the court with Durant, who talked about his experience and career.

"In the end it all comes to working hard," said Durant. "Through endless training we can push our limits, realize personal goals and achieve our own defining moment of greatness.”

Following his skills clinic, Durant visited the Nike Basketball store and stopped by the Nike Kicks Lounge to meet with fans, who greeted him with rowdy cheers and support. Durant then hand-picked his favorite Nike Zoom KD IV iD design, and awarded the designer with a pair of Nike Zoom KD IV Gold Medal.

Durant continued his second day in Hong Kong playing and coaching an all-star game with the Nike League basketball players he trained in the previous day's skills clinic.

“It was an amazing experience,” said Durant after the game. “I can see and feel the ambition in every young player. My visit this year has been very rewarding and encouraging, and will definitely stay as a big part in my memory.”

Performance is the highest virtue, but style should never be sacrificed.

There can be no one style-fits all uniform for training, relaxing, competing, or for the most glorious possible moment of all: mounting the medal stand to reap the reward for a lifetime of hard work and dedication. Nike has designed distinct medal stand looks to pay tribute to American athletes and their varied disciplines of competition. Inspirations are drawn from classic American forms: from work wear and pickup trucks to astronaut suits and sports cars. The American flag figures prominently while subtle tributes are concealed as hidden details to be discovered because representing one's country is a private, as well as, a public journey. Beyond the formality of the medal stand, the best athletes in America are also provided a wardrobe adaptable to both occasion and weather, from the training room to the pressroom. 

Born on the court and evolved on the street, the Nike Air Force 1 boasts a loyal contingent of fans. To recognize this community while welcoming the next generation, Nike Sportswear officially unveils 1thology, an interactive exploration into the Air Force 1’s 30-year legacy.

1thology filters over 1,000 AF1s by year, style, color or material. Visitors can build a virtual, digital collection of Air Force 1's, while sharing with friends, browsing collections and tracking a leaderboard. The pair with the most votes could re-release in 2013.

Nike Sportswear's 1Thology is presented at http://gonike.me/1thology.

Moments ago the Oregon Ducks, known for the most advanced uniforms Nike has on the football field, kicked off the season in a state-of-the-art Nike Pro Combat Football system. The new aesthetic combines a Kelly Green jersey, Yellow Strike pants, custom chrome Vapor Talon Elite cleats and a yellow helmet -- creating a head-to-toe retro-futuristic look that juxtaposes the Ducks' rich heritage with their forward-thinking approach to every aspect of the game. Through this unique uniform combination, Nike pays homage to Oregon's game-changing methodology, faster style of play, and belief in providing athletes with best-in-class innovation to help them achieve their highest potential.

ABOUT THE NEW UNIFORM CHASSIS

From the cleats to the base layer, to the gloves and helmet, the Ducks’ uniform represents the pinnacle in game-day innovation for speed. As launched during the Rose Bowl, the latest development of Nike Chain Maille Mesh technology is the ultimate in breathable uniform design. These innovations coupled with durable, lightweight padding provide athletes with a complete on-field suit of armor.

* Eleven different materials in the Nike Pro Combat uniform (jersey and pant), and 16 different materials in the complete system of dress – each to address the specific needs of the athlete in game situations.

* Nike Chain Maille Mesh material incorporated into the back and under the arms in the jersey, as well as down the sides of the pant for exceptional ventilation without sacrificing durability. The new Nike Chain Maille Mesh integration also emphasizes improved thermoregulation, including the Nike Pro Combat Deflex padding layer, which has a baselayer constructed with fabric selected for its ability to help keep the body cool and wick away sweat – making the uniform, and player, lighter and dryer.

* A redesigned base layer that facilitates the uniform’s overall innovation, delivering the ultimate in lightweight protection for maximum speed. The base layer in the pant also features customizable protection that incorporates a thin, incredibly strong carbon fiber plate that can be placed on the thigh padding where needed.

* Strategically placed seams, pads and cooling zones that help minimize distraction and optimize protective coverage. Robust padding, without the bulk, has also been added to offer optimal low-profile impact protection specifically throughout the crucial “hit zone” between the knees and shoulders.

* Nike Pro Combat Deflex padding integrated in the hip and knee areas of the pant for crucial impact protection that stays in place.

* A Flywire collar eliminating two layers of fabric for improved breathability, providing a more stable anchor to keep the jersey in place.

* The uniform wouldn’t be complete without combining these innovations with a nod to the Duck’s evolution, not only in color but also in design. This includes a new wing design on the shoulders specifically engineered to provide maximum strength in the shoulder area while the spacing of the feathers allows for even greater mobility.

* The completely re-designed number system was inspired by the shape of a mallard’s feathers. These larger, bolder numbers maximize legibility on-field and accent the uniform colorway.