PORTLAND, Ore. (August 6, 2002) - International outdoor apparel and footwear leader Columbia Sportswear Company(R) (Nasdaq: COLM) announces that it has signed a sponsorship agreement to become the official apparel supplier to the 2002 Eco-Challenge Adventure Race(R) held in Fiji. The Eco-Challenge will broadcast worldwide on AXN and Columbia Tri-Star Television's adventure channel. Domestically, the USA Network will broadcast the competition in April 2003.

This is Columbia's seventh consecutive year sponsoring the high-profile Expedition Race which takes place in October 2002 among the 333 islands that make up Fiji's archipelago. As the official apparel supplier, Columbia will provide event officials, VIPs, and the media with the Company's GRT(TM) technical sportswear collection. The GRT line offers an extensive collection of performance clothing made from the latest fabrics that dry-quickly, resist wrinkles and move perspiration away from the body. Columbia will also outfit Mark Burnett, founder and host of the Eco-Challenge.

The Eco-Challenge, the world's premier Expedition Race, is held in a remote part of the world each year and attracts the planet's best adventure racing athletes. The Fiji 2002 competition, held in remote, untouched jungle areas, marks the ninth annual Eco-Challenge event. Using only non-motorized forms of transportation such as jungle trekking, ocean paddling, mountain biking, canyoneering and kayaking, the 75 competing teams will travel over 500 kilometers with only 12 days to finish.

"We're proud of Columbia's continued association with this world-renowned competition," said Columbia's Promotions Manager, Chrisanthi Hatzantonis. "This race, from the mountain ranges to the jungle, is the perfect venue to demonstrate the durability and versatility of Columbia's products."

Eco-Challenge(R) (www.ecochallenge.com) name and logo are registered trademarks of J. Mark Burnett. Eco-Challenge(R), The Expedition Race(TM), Expedition Racing(TM) and Expedition Competition(TM) and all associated logos and service marks are all trademarks or registered trademarks of J. Mark Burnett in the United States and/or other countries.

Columbia Sportswear Company(R) 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, please visit the Company's Web site at www.columbia.com.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Gear Editor