• July 30, 2003

Sports Illustrated has added Bally Total Fitness to the list of marketing partners for its swimsuit model search. The contest, officially dubbed "Nissan Presents Sports Illustrated Fresh Faces Swimsuit Model Search," is designed to locate what a company press release calls a "fitness-conscious All-American beauty" for the 2004 SI Swimsuit Issue. As part of the arrangement, Bally will display in-club signage and videos in around 400 Bally Total Fitness locations in the U.S. "I am confident that our clubs will serve as a tremendous vehicle for Sports Illustrated to find a 'fresh face' for its legendary swimsuit issue," said Bally Total Fitness chairman and chief executive officer Paul Toback in a press release. "More and more companies are realizing the power of the Bally brand in reaching healthy, active and fitness-conscious consumers." In addition to appearing in the swimsuit issue, the contest winner will receive a 2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster and a three-year, $75,000 modeling contract from NEXT Model Management. Other contest partners include the AVP Nissan Series Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Nautica and NBC Sports.