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ORGANIC INFILL GROWS ROOTS WITH HELLAS AND LIMONTA PARTNERSHIP: Sports Construction Company and Sports Surfacing Manufacturer bring innovative all-organic infill for synthetic turf to America

Austin, Texas (April 22, 2015) - Hellas and Limonta Sport signed a North American distribution agreement in Manhattan last Thursday for the distribution of Geo Plus, an all-organic infill material developed for synthetic turf fields, deemed to be the next best thing to natural grass. Hellas will manage distribution and may have secondary distribution agreements. The product serves as an alternative to recycled rubber infill and other alternative materials.

Infill is commonly used in synthetic turf to enhance playing characteristics, always attempting to resemble natural grass. The Geo Plus infill is made from 100% environmentally-friendly materials and provides superior biomechanics: excellent footing, traction, and shock absorption. The infill is most similar to natural soil and is less spongy and bouncy in comparison to rubber infill. Geo Plus also reduces surface temperatures up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit by resisting heat absorption and retaining humidity.

The combination of improved biomechanics and temperature reduction is an important development for athletic performance. “This is the most exciting development I have seen in the past 30 years of my experience in the industry,” said Reed J. Seaton, President and CEO of Hellas, “and we may be on our way to a solution that reduces high ankle and ACL injuries. It might be better than natural grass,” said Seaton.

Reed J. Seaton & Paolo Limonta signing distribution agreement for all-organic infill in Manhattan, NY

Limonta Sport, a specialty textile company founded in 1979, has installed Geo Plus projects in 21 countries. It was originally developed for soccer fields in Europe, but the product characteristics are beneficial for most sports fields. “We are thrilled to be able to increase our product exposure in America and are looking forward to a continued great partnership with Hellas Construction,” said Paolo Limonta, Chief Operating Officer of Limonta Sport.

“Since its introduction in 2004, we have only received positive reactions by players and staff, especially because of its footing stability and other impressive biomechanical characteristics,” said Angelo Redolfi, Export Manager for Limonta Sport. “The biomechanical reactions in athletes on Geo Plus surfaces are similar to those registered on natural grass fields,” said Redolfi.

The surface allows players to stop or change direction without sliding, which is typical of traditional infill systems. This allows athletes to focus on their game without adjusting their style to the new playing surface, according to Redolfi. The system was developed with the collaboration of the University of Pisa and C.e.R.T.E.S. (Centro Ricerca Tappeti erbosi Sportivi), patented in Italy, and with an International patent pending.

“This is a very important development and partnership,” said Seaton. “We are always trying to be on the forefront of innovation, and with this sustainable solution we only find positive features and benefits.” Hellas has contracted and installed 9 Geo Plus projects in the U.S., in addition to 12 potential contracts coming up throughout the country. Hellas is assigned the overall distribution partnership for North America, including Canada, Mexico, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean Islands.

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GEO PLUS PROJECTS IN THE US:

• University of Nebraska at Omaha - Caniglia Field, Omaha, NE
• Flour Bluff Independent School District, Flour Bluff, TX
• Cañada College, Redwood City, CA
• Skyline College, San Bruno, CA
• Patriot Park Soccer Complex, City of Perris, CA
• Madera Unified School District - Memorial Stadium, Madera, CA
• Cathedral Catholic School, San Diego, CA
• Lakelands Park, Gaithersburg, MD
• San Carlos Softball Pitch, San Carlos, CA
• St. Timothy’s School, Baltimore, MD
• The City of Weston (2 fields), FL

• Washington
• Missouri
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Texas