AUSTIN, Texas, April 1, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The University Interscholastic League (UIL) and Balfour have partnered to offer official rings, commemorative jewelry, award jackets, patches and plaques for all UIL State Championships including athletic, academic and music tournaments. These items that feature the UIL logo will be available for purchase through local Balfour sales representatives, as well as an e-commerce site currently under development by Balfour.
"We are pleased to partner with Texas-based Balfour, a trusted high school partner for generations, to recognize the outstanding achievements of our State's finest high school students and athletes," said Dr. Charles Breithaupt, Executive Director of the UIL.
Balfour will also serve as title presenter of the UIL Sponsor Excellence Award, a distinguished award established by the UIL in 1991 to identify and recognize outstanding teachers who play a special role in the lives of young people as UIL directors, sponsors and coaches.
"Fostering teamwork, encouraging school spirit and inspiring achievement is what the UIL and Balfour are all about," said Alyce Alston, President and Chief Executive Officer of Balfour. "We are proud to partner with the UIL to provide products that commemorate student success and to recognize the teachers and coaches who make it all possible."
Veronica Cantu, UIL Director of Marketing
512.471.5883, vcantu@uiltexas.org
Lacy LaBorde, Balfour Director of Communications
512.440.2639, lacy.laborde@balfour.com
About the University Interscholastic League
The UIL has served the state of Texas for 101 years. In 1910, the Debating League of Texas High Schools was formed as a part of the University of Texas Extension Bureau and the following year an Interscholastic Athletic Association was founded and hosted the first University of Texas invitational track meet. In 1913 these two organizations merged to form the University Interscholastic League. By 1917, the UIL had become the largest interscholastic organization in the nation. Throughout the League's proud history its programs have inspired, challenged and touched the lives of countless students in virtually every school and community in the state of Texas.
About Balfour
Balfour is a premier provider of school spirit and recognition products for students, military personnel and professional sports teams nationwide. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Balfour has sold class rings, yearbooks, graduation products, varsity letter jackets, athletic championship (professional and amateur), military products, and affinity jewelry for nearly 100 years. Balfour is owned by Commemorative Brands, Inc., a company of American Achievement Corporation (AAC), which reported sales of $290 million during fiscal year 2010. AAC is a portfolio company of Fenway Partners.
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