SPALDING LOOKS FOR INCREASED MARKET SHARE IN HISPANIC DEMO

     Spalding, known mostly for volleyballs and basketballs, is
launching a line of soccer balls and equipment.  "The idea is to
reach both school kids and the growing U.S. Hispanic market."
Spalding Product Manager Francis Jimenez: "In the last 10 years,
soccer has caught on in this country, thanks to the huge influx
of Hispanics.  And last year's World Cup games gave it even more
visibility."  The new Spalding equipment and clothing use Mayan
and Inca designs to create a visual interest and "tap into the
game's Hispanic history."  A $5M support campaign has started
with print ads running in soccer magazines.  The company also
plans to buy TV ads in heavily Hispanic markets like South FL,
New York, TX, CA and Chicago, with spots in English and Spanish
(Anne Moncreiff Arrarte, MIAMI HERALD, 3/27).