Washington, DC -- The District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) is pleased to announce a three-year partnership with Spalding, a division of Russell Brands, LLC to become the association’s official ball for six of its premier sports beginning in the fall of 2013.

The new partnership names Spalding as the “Official Ball” of DCSAA baseball, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, football and volleyball. In addition, Spalding’s softball brand, Dudley, becomes the official ball of DCSAA softball.

“We are proud to partner with a manufacturer that is held in such high regard throughout the athletics industry,” said Clark Ray, statewide director of the D.C. State Athletic Association. “Spalding’s contributions will allow our city’s youth athletes the use of top-of-the-line equipment in competition.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Spalding and Dudley will be the “Official Ball” of DCSAA baseball, boys’ and girls’ basketball, football, softball and volleyball through June 2016, and will be used exclusively in each sport’s postseason play. In addition, Spalding will become title sponsor of the Most Valuable Player award for each state championship game.

“We are committed to helping our nation’s youth chase their dreams in athletics,” said Paul Sullivan, Spalding’s Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We could not be more excited than to partner with the schools of our nation’s capital and help these students achieve success on the playing fields and courts and in the classroom.”

To learn more about the District of Columbia State Athletic Association, visit www.dcsaasports.org. For information about Spalding, visit www.spalding.com.