WS Chronicle

Former NBA player visits HanesBrands headquarters

By Tevin Stinson

The Chronicle

On Friday, Oct. 9, retired professional basketball player-turned-sports-analyst Jalen Rose made a stop at the HanesBrands headquarters in Winston-Salem to host the Champion Brand Fashion Show.

Rose spent 13 years in the NBA, but is most known as the point guard of the “Fab Five” at the University of Michigan, the first team in NCAA history to start five freshman. During his visit, Rose said he started working with Champion because the brand is well known and has been making quality products for years.

Sine 1919 Champion, Athleticwear has offered a full line of innovative athletic apparel for men and women focusing on performance, lifestyle and team athletics. The brand has been credited with inventing the sports bra, cotton football practice jerseys, reversible T-shirts and hooded and reversed-weave sweatshirts.

“Champion is a legendary brand, from the V-necks to the hoodies to the sweatshirts, I have always been a fan of the brand,” Rose said.

During Champion Day employees had the opportunity to view and purchase items at a discount. Along with food trucks, music, live artist, as well as raffle giveaways and games, Champion Day was designed to show their employees they are appreciated. Chyna Broadnax manager, corporate communications, said employees also had the chance to win items that are not sold here in the United States.

“We wanted to give our employees their own time to shop for themselves and family,” said Broadnax.” We also raffled for a few items that are not sold here in the states, so that is really big we’ve never done that before.”

John Marsh, president of activewear, was said he was excited to have Rose host the fashion show

“We are extremely excited to have Jalen be part of Champion Day and host our first fashion show here on the HandsBrands campus,” said Marsh. “Jalen’s successful career embodies Champion’s commitment to authentic and innovative apparel designed to inspire those with active lifestyles reach their full potential.”

Following the fashion show, Rose held a meet-and-greet session, during which he signed autographs and took photos with employees.

Ryan Thomas, who said he has been a fan of Rose since his college days, enjoyed meeting one of his favorite players.

“This event was a great idea,” said Thomas. “Events like this make you enjoy coming to work. It lets us employees know that the work we do isn’t going unnoticed.”