Press Release

             YMCA facility to break ground in fall 2004 and serve
                        north Kent County communities

ROCKFORD, Mich., June 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A $1.15 million gift from the Wolverine World Wide Foundation to the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids will greatly impact the lives of families in northern Kent County communities for generations to come.

As a result of the Wolverine World Wide Foundation's generous gift, the YMCA and Wolverine World Wide partnered today to announce plans to construct a state-of-the-art YMCA facility in September that will serve all communities in the northern Kent County corridor. The YMCA will officially be named the "Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA."

The $7.1 million, 46,800 square-foot Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA will be located on 18 acres at the corner of Post Road and Jupiter Drive in Belmont. The facility is projected to serve 3,000 members within its first year -- two and a half times the national average for a community of the same population and demographic makeup.

"The YMCA's vision to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities meshes perfectly with our corporate values and philosophies," said Wolverine World Wide CEO and President Tim O'Donovan. "The Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA is an investment in the health of our employees and our local community, as the YMCA's innovative programs and services are specifically designed to meet and support the needs of all individuals and families."

Initial marketing research studies performed by the Winfield Consulting Group found significant support for a comprehensive YMCA facility in the Northern Kent County area. The results indicated:

* 85% of members and facility users would join as a family.

* Strong need for Teen Center with structured programming.

* Strong interest in family programming.

* 80% of respondents had children at home that would benefit from YMCA after-school, recreational programs, and sports leagues.

"The Wolverine World Wide Foundation's gift will allow the YMCA to reach a new and untapped population, as we strive to reach our goal of involving one in five youth, teens, and their families in year-round programs," said YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids' President/CEO Ron Nelson. "We recognize the incredible potential of this project, and appreciate Wolverine World Wide's commitment to making this state-of-the-art facility a reality for north Kent County communities."

The Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA is scheduled to open in late fall of 2005.

Founded in 1886, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is composed of eight branches that serve 95,173 in greater Grand Rapids community. YMCA core programs include; aquatics, child care, family, health and wellness, leadership development, arts and humanities, Service-Learning, and youth/adult sports. All program curriculum is structured to develop the YMCA's Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. The vision of the YMCA is to be the community leader in building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Visit http://www.grymca.org .

With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW) is one of the world's leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport and uniform footwear and slippers. The Company's portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Bates(R), Hush Puppies(R), HYTEST(R), Merrell(R), Sebago(R) and Wolverine(R). The Company also markets footwear under popular licensed brands including CAT(R), Harley- Davidson(R) and Stanley(R). The Company's products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and are distributed internationally in over 140 countries. For additional information, please visit our website, http://www.wolverineworldwide.com .

SOURCE  Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
    -0-                             06/22/2004
    /CONTACT:  Gary Wade of YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids,
cell: +1-616-745-0874, wade@grymca.org /
    /Web site:  http://www.wolverineworldwide.com
                http://www.grymca.org /
    (WWW)

CO:  Wolverine World Wide, Inc.; Wolverine World Wide Foundation; YMCA of
     Greater Grand Rapids
ST:  Michigan
IN:  TEX FAS
SU:

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2878 06/22/2004 13:18 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com