<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“<strong><a href="https://www.boardriding.com/Brands/vans" target="_blank">Vans</a></strong> has supported skateboarding since the very beginning, and never wavered in its commitment, even with massive mainstream success,” said <strong><a href="https://www.boardriding.com/Riders/tony-hawk" target="_blank">Tony Hawk</a></strong>. “I have always respected their integrity, so it is an honor to officially join forces and help continue to grow skateboarding culture in the most authentic way possible.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Joining Vans as an official global brand ambassador, Tony Hawk will partner with the brand to promote Vans’ global brand platforms, including his continued involvement as a color commentator in the <strong><a href="http://www.vansparkseries.com/" target="_blank">Vans Park Series</a></strong>, in addition to producing a brand-new professional Vert skateboarding competition.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hawk’s earliest memory of Vans dates back to the late ‘70s. “Vans were the first skate shoes I ever wore, beginning in 1978,” Hawk shared. “My dad bought me a pair and I begged him for the ‘ankle guard’ accessory because high-tops weren’t available yet. I wore Vans almost exclusively until the mid ‘80s.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the current environment of collective social distancing, Vans and Hawk remain focused on the positive impact that skateboarding can provide. By creating initiatives and events that support skate communities around the world, this partnership will bring fans together through engaging social livestream campaigns, philanthropic give-back programs, and creative product collaborations.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As a start, Vans recently launched <strong><a href="http://www.vans.com/footthebill" target="_blank">“Foot The Bill”</a></strong>, a customization initiative to support small, independent business partners from around the world who are dealing with the direct business impacts of COVID-19. With skate shops as the central hub for skate communities around the world, “Foot The Bill” will work to support them with custom designed Vans footwear. The net proceeds from each pair of Vans Customs sold through the program will go directly to that small business to provide some relief during this challenging time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“These days are extremely difficult for so many, which is why we are hoping to provide some fun and creativity for the global community to enjoy,” Hawk said of the program. “In unprecedented times like these, we need to stay positive, support each other and keep creating.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To learn more about Tony Hawk, and the Vans Skateboarding program, please visit <strong><a href="https://www.vans.com/skate" target="_blank">Vans.com/skate</a></strong>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">Source: Vans</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div>