Subaru Funds Newly Formed Masters Rowing Association

6 October 1999
Subaru Funds Newly Formed Masters Rowing Association
             Subaru of America, Inc. Funds National Organization
                         To Support Rowing Community

    PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 6 -- The only national organization
dedicated to the largest population of the rowing community -- masters rowers
-- was inaugurated today. The association offers unique services, training,
education and rowing events tailored to those who remain active in the sport
after high school or college and programs for all those who wish to start
rowing.
    The newly formed Masters Rowing Association (MRA) funded by Subaru of
America, Inc. is a non-profit organization devoted exclusively to the
"masters" and "club" rowing communities, encouraging people to continue their
drive and determination to row either competitively or recreationally.
    "The Masters Rowing Association is the first organization to support those
who have actively participated in rowing in high school or college or are just
discovering their passion for the sport," said Kate Godwin, Executive Director
of the Masters Rowing Association. "We will provide a number of services and
events that encourage healthy athletic experiences for individuals and clubs,
while enhancing the true spirit of rowing by fostering friendly rivalries."
    Subaru of America, Inc. provided the resources necessary to form the
Masters Rowing Association.  "We believe that masters represent one of the
most dedicated and influential segments of the rowing community and are proud
to be the founding sponsor of the Masters Rowing Association," said Tim
Bennett, National Marketing and Promotions Manager of Subaru of America, Inc.
"We are pleased to be associated with the Masters Rowing Association and to
helping its members achieve their goals."

    Benefits of Membership
    MRA membership benefits include health guidelines, member discounts and
club updates, a web site dedicated to providing the latest rowing news and
information on regional regattas. Kelly Mitchell, Director of Development for
the San Diego Crew Classic said,  "The Masters category is the fastest growing
segment of the rowing community. We believe the San Diego Crew Classic -- and
its 1000 masters competitors -- is the perfect event for the MRA to launch the
Subaru Masters Series. We welcome MRA to the entire community."
    The Masters Rowing Association (MRA) is a non-profit organization,
dedicated to promoting the sport of rowing to men and women at both the
recreational and competitive levels. Our purpose is to provide a national
organization that supports and encourages the drive and athletic experience
for individuals and rowing clubs and one that enhances their spirit of
camaraderie.
    Subaru of America, Inc. proudly sponsors the National Ski Patrol, American
Canoe Association, American Association of Snowboard Instructors, Professional
Ski Instructors of America, and the International Mountain Biking Association.
    Subaru of America, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company markets
and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of
nearly 600 franchised dealers across the United States. All Legacy and Outback
models sold in the U.S. are produced at the company's American manufacturing
plant, Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Inc., near Lafayette, Ind.
    CONTACT:  Tim Bennett of Subaru of America, 856-488-3107, or E-mail,
tbennett@subaru.com, or Kate Godwin of the MRA, 215-232-4768, or E-mail,
godwin@mastersrowing.org