The first annual Outdoor Geographic Awareness (TOGA) Awards celebrate the people, gear retailers, manufacturers, and NGOs who are finding new and creative ways to promote geographic awareness and build outdoor participation.

National Geographic Maps, in collaboration with ADVENTURE magazine, has just introduced the first annual Outdoor Geographic Awareness (TOGA) Awards to celebrate the people, gear retailers, manufacturers, and NGOs who are finding new and creative ways to promote geographic awareness and build outdoor participation. The TOGA Awards reflect National Geographic’s mission to inspire people to care about the planet and to encourage people of all ages to explore their world.

The TOGAs, will recognize industry manufacturers, retailers, non-profits, and individuals who are actively promoting geographic awareness through creative programs, products, and services. If you or your organization has developed a program that encourages outdoor participation, environmental stewardship, geographic awareness or knowledge about the world around us we encourage you to apply for a 2008 National Geographic TOGA award or nominate a peer.

Applications and nominations will be accepted online at www.natgeomaps.com/toga through Friday, June 27, 2008. All applications will be reviewed by committee and narrowed down to a list of finalists in each of the four categories. Finalists will be notified by July 3rd and asked to complete a more detailed application. Awards will be presented on Friday August 8th at 4:00pm at the National Geographic Maps Booth #30039 at Outdoor Retailer. The awards will be presented on Friday, August 8, 2008, at 4 p.m., at Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City.