Riddell and Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Unveil Helmets for 2020 Polynesian Bowl in Hawai’i, Extend Partnership through 2023

The leader in football head protection and innovation, Riddell, and the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame (PFHOF), today unveiled the upcoming 2020 Polynesian Bowl Riddell SpeedFlex helmet design. Riddell serves as the official protective equipment partner of the Polynesian Bowl and worked closely with the PFHOF to develop the unique, custom-made designs that will be worn in the annual elite high school all-star game.

As customary for each year’s game, the unique helmet designs are inspired by KAPA or TAPA – a barkcloth that is prepared and utilized by families throughout Polynesia. Each island nation has its own particular nuances in making tapa, which distinguishes it from others. The Tapa design in the Polynesian Bowl helmet takes elements from each of these various cultures and incorporates them into the overall design of the helmet. The 2020 helmet motif represents traditional Hawaiian belief in a natural balance between ocean and land. Makai (mah-kigh), meaning ocean and Mauka (mow-kah), meaning mountain, are embodied in the designs using blue to symbolize the sea and white to symbolize land.

“We take a lot of pride in each game’s unique helmet design. It’s another way for us to show off our Polynesian heritage in an exciting way that our people continue to admire,” said Jesse Sapolu, Chairman and Co-founder of the PFHOF. “Riddell’s ability to provide industry-leading protection to our athletes and come up with eye-catching designs that also show off our history and culture is something that makes this game so special.”

“Being invited to this game is always a great honor, especially when you’re going to get one of football’s best helmets and sickest designs out there,” said Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and 2020 game ambassador Juju Smith-Schuster. “Being able to play with your brothers wearing a Riddell SpeedFlex while honoring our heritage in the Polynesian Bowl is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Each Polynesian Bowl participant will have the opportunity to wear the custom helmets in practices and the game along with Riddell Power SPK+ shoulder pads featuring RipKord technology, both of which will be professionally fit by Riddell representatives prior to the first practice.

In addition to partnering on the 2020 Polynesian Bowl, Riddell and Polynesian Football Hall of Fame are proud to announce an extended partnership through the 2023 game, including the annual national combine. In doing so, Riddell will remain the official protective equipment partner of the Polynesian Bowl, outfitting the nation’s elite high school athletes in industry-leading helmet technology and protective equipment.

“The Polynesian Bowl has rapidly grown in popularity and prestige amongst elite athletes,” said Kyle Borland, Vice President of Institutional Sales, Riddell. “Building off that momentum, in partnership with the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, Riddell is excited to continue contributing to the game and annual combine, as we advance football and the experience it provides young athletes together.”

The 2020 Polynesian Bowl will be played on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Aloha Stadium on O`ahu, Hawai`i as part of the PFHOF Enshrinement Weekend. One hundred players will participate in the annual game, including several of the top ranked high school football players in the country. The game will be broadcast Live on CBS Sports Network. For more information, please visit www.PolynesianBowl.com.