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It’s one of those partnerships that should have happened long ago. Why wouldn’t the world’s most recognizable skateboarder wear the world’s most authentic skateboarding shoe? Duh! So today, it’s official. Tony Hawk<\/strong> is a global brand ambassador for Vans<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cVans has supported skateboarding since the very beginning, and never wavered in its commitment, even with massive mainstream success,\u201d said Tony Hawk. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n It’s weird, but we’re oddly stoked that Tony is back in the Vans family. Aren’t you? For the official word from Vans, please follow the jump.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Vans and Tony Hawk Announce Official Brand Partnership<\/strong> Costa Mesa, CALIF. (April 13, 2020) \u2013 Vans\u00ae, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, officially announced the beginning of a historic partnership with skateboarding legend and global youth icon, Tony Hawk. Sharing a profound heritage in action sports and an undisputed commitment to skate culture, Vans and Tony Hawk unite in 2020 to create authentic and inspiring brand initiatives that will enable creative expression through skateboarding.<\/p>\n \u201cVans has supported skateboarding since the very beginning, and never wavered in its commitment, even with massive mainstream success,\u201d said Tony Hawk. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Joining Vans as an official global brand ambassador, Tony Hawk will partner with the brand to promote Vans\u2019 global brand platforms, including his continued involvement as a color commentator in the Vans Park Series, in addition to producing a brand-new professional Vert skateboarding competition.<\/p>\n \u201cTony Hawk\u2019s name is synonymous with skateboarding for fans around the world,\u201d said Bobby Gascon, global director of action sports for Vans. \u201cHe is a pioneer and has inspired millions to pick up a board with his incredible talent. We are honored that he\u2019ll be supporting Vans\u2019 mission to promote and grow skateboarding globally.\u201d<\/p>\n Hawk\u2019s earliest memory of Vans dates back to the late \u201870s. \u201cVans were the first skate shoes I ever wore, beginning in 1978,\u201d Hawk shared. \u201cMy dad bought me a pair and I begged him for the \u2018ankle guard\u2019 accessory because high-tops weren\u2019t available yet. I wore Vans almost exclusively until the mid \u201880s.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n As a start, Vans recently launched \u201cFoot The Bill\u201d, 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, \u201cFoot The Bill\u201d 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThese 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,\u201d Hawk said of the program. \u201cIn unprecedented times like these, we need to stay positive, support each other and keep creating.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSkateboarding icons reveal future plans to inspire and enable creativity through skateboarding<\/strong><\/p>\n