10.03.2011– Lawrence, Mass.- Over the past twenty years, Polartec has supported hundreds of expeditions around the world through the Polartec® Challenge, an international grant program encouraging outdoor adventure. Applications for Polartec® Challenge grants are now available for 2012 expeditions.

“Since 1991, Polartec has assisted some of the world’s greatest athletes and explorers,” states Polartec Global Director of Marketing, Nate Simmons. “From next-to-skin, to insulation, to extreme weather protection layers, Polartec builds performance fabrics to keep you comfortable in every kind of climate and we’re proud to support adventures that put our products to the test.”

The Polartec® Challenge Grant seeks to assist low impact teams who respect the local culture and environment and serve as role models to outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Applications are evaluated on the basis of vision, commitment, educational and cultural value. The Polartec® Challenge is not the appropriate venue for projects that involve competition or fund raising.

Past recipients of the Polartec® Challenge Grant include outdoor pioneers and adventurers such as Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, Steve House, Marko Prezelj, Andrew McLean, Greg Hill and John Shipton. Some of the latest Polartec Challenge Grant recipients include Kate Harris and Melissa Yule who are exploring environmental conservation while cycling from Europe to Asia, and Jon Turk and Erik Boomer who recently completed the first circumnavigation of Ellesmere Island – regarded by many as one of the last great Arctic expeditions.

To apply for a 2012 Polartec® Challenge grant, visit polartec.com/polartec-challenge. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2011.

About Polartec, LLC
Polartec, LLC is the developer, manufacturer, and marketer of Polartec® performance fabrics. Polartec® products range from lightweight wicking base layers, to insulation layers, to extreme weather protection and are utilized by the best clothing brands in the world. For more information, visit polartec.com.