Charity Event to Raise Funds for Winter Special Olympics and TEAM USA

MELVILLE, NY, FEBRUARY 17, 2005 - Nikon (www.nikonusa.com), today announced its continued sponsorship of the 16th annual North American Police Ski Championship (NAPSC). The NAPSC is a non-profit police ski-week that organizes athletic and charitable competition between law enforcement agencies from around the United States and the world to raise funds for Winter Special Olympics athletes and TEAM USA. For the tenth consecutive year, Nikon will serve as lead sponsor for this charity event, which will be held in Copper Mountain, Colorado from February 27 - March 6.

"It is our pleasure to continue our support for charitable efforts such as the North American Police Ski Championships," said Anna Marie Bakker, general manager, Communications with Nikon Inc. "This relationship allows Nikon to team up with some of the most dedicated men and women in the country to help a great cause."

This 16th annual NAPSC event will feature competition in slalom, giant slalom, super g races & snowboarding, for both retired and active law enforcement officers, from across the US and numerous foreign countries. NAPSC, a 501C3, is the largest non-profit event in the country of its type. Approximately 350 participants are expected this year. To date, NAPSC has donated more than $450,000 to the Special Olympics. Plans are also underway to raise another $600,000+ under a separate enterprise that will honor the memory of the 62 law enforcement officers who gave their lives on September 11, 2001.

TEAM USA is the group of Special Olympic athletes from all 50 states who comprise the US Special Olympics team competing in the International World Special Olympics Games. This year those games will be held in Nagano, Japan beginning in late February. This past December, TEAM USA was able to bring all the team participants together for a training camp, for the first time ever. The four-day event was only made possible by the generosity of NAPSC, Nikon, and other contributors.

Nikon's continued involvement in supporting the NAPSC is part of the Nikon Spirit Initiative.

About The Nikon Spirit Initiative
The Nikon Spirit Initiative is Nikon's corporate responsibility effort which supports the local community and photographers through sponsorship of charitable, educational and industry enrichment programs. For more information, visit www.nikonspiritinitiative.com. For information about Nikon and its products, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com.

About NAPSC
The North American Police Ski Championship is highly regarded as the premier non-profit police ski event in North America and possibly the world. The NAPSC has received recognition from organizations such as the United States Ski Association (USSA), the International Police Sports Union (IPSU), the National Police Sports Federation (NPSF), the Fraternal Order of Police, the International Police Association and the International Association of Women.