News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2001

Personal Watercraft Industry Association Celebrates Great Outdoors Week

MEDIA CONTACT:
Amy Fox 202-775-1401

PWIA Joins Area Students in Celebration of Outdoor Fun and Recreation on the National Mall

WASHINGTON, DC -The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) is a 2001 participant in the American Recreation CoalitionÕs Great Outdoors Week, June 11-16.

"Great Outdoors Week is an opportunity to introduce young people to the many wonderful ways we can enjoy our nationÕs waterways and lands. PWIA is excited to be a part of this yearÕs events and provide education about personal watercraft fun and safety," said Monita Fontaine, executive director of PWIA. "Additionally, PWIA would like to welcome Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton and we look forward to her participation in Great Outdoors Week."

This celebration of outdoor recreation includes the participation of school children from Washington, DC and Maryland. They will take part in a full day of learning about boating, camping, hiking and fishing. Secretary Norton will also attend theses events and join in canoe rides with youth at Anacostia Park.

A personal watercraft will be available for school children to view while they learn about water and boating safety. PWIA representatives will provide participants with personal watercraft safety materials that emphasize the importance of wearing personal flotation devices, riding with an adult and observing all boating regulations.

Great Outdoors Week also includes the presentation of the 2001 Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award and meetings with Members of Congress to discuss federal funding for recreation programs, national recreation lakes, recreation fees and land management policies.

The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA), located in Washington, DC, was formed as an affiliate of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). PWIA was created to unite manufacturers and distributors of personal watercraft (PWC) in order to promote safe and responsible operation of personal watercraft and work with federal, state and local regulatory agencies. Membership is open to manufacturers of personal watercraft who are also members of NMMA.