Vicious and PVA Team Up at Classic...

2/11/2010 12:08:57 PM

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Vicious Fishing and Paralyzed Veterans of America will offer limited edition apparel at the upcoming Bassmaster Classic championship. This exclusive apparel featuring the stars and stripes with "Vic," the Vicious Fishing logo, will be available Feb. 19-21 in the Vicious and PVA booths at the Classic Outdoors Expo in the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex.

Proceeds will be used by the PVA to further its sports and recreation programs that include fishing tournaments and competitive shooting.

"It was quite a shock when they contacted us about this idea and we immediately thought it was a great partnership," said Alan Earl, associate director of the PVA Sports and Recreation division. "Vic is an awesome, unique logo and the addition of the American flag is a touch of patriotism we all can appreciate. This is right up our alley as a veterans organization. We’re thrilled to be working with Vicious Fishing. Birmingham is a super location and we look forward to seeing all the great fishing fans who will attend the Classic."

Hoodies and T-shirts will be for sale at the expo in two locations. The Vicious booth is No. 2212 and "Vic" will be easily seen by fans. The PVA booth is No. 2651.

A special purchase program also is available for retailers interested in carrying the exclusive series to further help PVA.

"PVA is a great organization and we wanted to do something to help them," said Jeff Martin of JBS Fishing, the parent company of Vicious Fishing. "They always have been good to us and ‘flown our flag’ so to speak, and we believe this is a great opportunity for us to help give something back."

PVA has more than 20,000 members and assists veterans with spinal cord injuries or disease with a variety of programs, research and legislative assistance.

"We fight for veteran benefits, help with the independent budget processes passed through Congress and help every veteran get what they deserve," Earl said. "But we also help anyone with disabilities by assisting with federal ADA laws as well. "Vicious has been a longtime sponsor of our PVA Bass Tour and we have a good relationship. The Vicious apparel is unbelievable … everyone loves 'Vic' and wants it. To change it up and add a little patriotism, it’s great."

Early response has been positive for the exclusive apparel that will be available. Martin believes it will be a hit with fans who want to help support PVA’s programs. "The veterans PVA assists, as well as the PVA staff, have done a lot for our country," he said. "Whatever we can do for them is still not enough."