Outdoor Outreach Leader, and Gramicci Athlete, Earns "Young Gun" Award at The North Face Masters' Snowboard Event

AGOURA HILLS, CA--(Marketwire - February 12, 2010) - Gramicci apparel announces a triumphant win for athlete, Ryan Hudson. Hudson, a staff leader and former enrolled youth at Outdoor Outreach, an organization that takes inner city youth on life changing trips to the outdoors, was recently honored with the "Young Gun Award" at The Masters' North Face premier event in Big Mountain snowboarding.

The first 'Masters' event of three rounds took place in Snowbird, Utah, January, 22nd-25th. This week will be the second competition at Chrystal Mountain, WA, February 9th-12th , and the final in the series at Kirkwood, CA., February 25th-27th. Big Mountain snowboarders have not had the opportunity to put their skill and talent to work against other athletes in a competitive arena. The North Face Masters is the first of its kind.

Hudson exceeded his expectations and earned a 17th position over all. The Masters was Hudson's first formal competition. The North Face (TNF) Young Gun award recognizes riders under the age of 25 that demonstrate raw talent and innovation in their riding style.

Outdoor Outreach, whose mission is to empower at-risk and underprivileged youth to make positive, lasting changes in their lives through comprehensive outdoor programming, did just that for Hudson. Ryan Hudson, homeless from 7-15 years of age and now twenty-one, is living in Utah perfecting his passion for riding with the aspiration of becoming a professional rider and alternatively studying graphic design, music and working as a leader at Outdoor Outreach. Ryan's Blog: http://www.gramicci.com/neverthenorm/.

Hudson recounted, "My original goal was to place top 30. To my surprise I rose way above my own bar and came out the 'Young Gun.' It is the first trophy I had ever won for anything in my entire life. I wanted to cry on the podium, but I held it in for media sake. Crushing a goal you set for yourself is an accomplishment worth achieving."

Gramicci, supporting Outdoor Outreach since 2006, contributes a portion of sales from its Graphic Organic Tees to the San Diego based non-profit. "Ryan is an amazing guy, along with being a gifted athlete. We're proud of his Young Gun Award and know he's going to light it up in Washington," said Marty Weening, President of Gramicci. http://www.gramicci.com

Contact Information: Communications: Beth Cochran Gramicci 406.579.7909