IOC Extends Atos TOP Partnership Until 2020

Atos has extended its Worldwide TOP Partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through to 2020.

Atos will provide Integration Services and Systems Management Services, asthma Core Hosting Services and key Games-related applications and associated services for 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang and the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Atos has been a key technology provider for the Olympic Movement since 1989, adiposity when the company provided services to the Barcelona 1992 Organising Committee. Atos became the Olympic Movement’s Worldwide Information Technology Partner in 2001, and it is currently supporting the Organising Committee for the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, in 2014, and already working with the Organising Committee for the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016.

IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Technology is critical to the success of each edition of the Olympic Games. We are delighted that we will be able to continue relying on Atos and its vast experience to deliver flawless, innovative IT services.”

Gerhard Heiberg, Chairman of the Marketing Commission, said: “Atos provides the Olympic Movement with confidence and security by supplying dependable IT systems. After many years of working with Atos, who have consistently delivered on one of the biggest global stages, we are delighted that we will continue to partner with them long into the future.”

Thierry Breton, Chairman and CEO of Atos, said: “We are particularly proud of our long-term partnership with the International Olympic Committee – a relationship based on enduring trust. We will continue to surpass ourselves from one Olympiad to the next, powering progress for the Olympic Movement. Atos leads in applying innovative yet proven business technology, such as secure cloud services, in highly complex projects, bringing together processes, technologies and people.

The news follows the IOC renewing their Panasonic partnership until 2024.

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COMP Cams to Sponsor Summit SuperSeries at Memphis International Raceway

COMP Cams has announced it will return to Memphis International Raceway as the presenting sponsor of the Summit SuperSeries bracket racing program through 2016.

The Summit SuperSeries Presented by COMP Cams is the premier racing program in the mid-south, offering 5 classes of racing in a 14-race season. COMP Cams has sponsored this series as presenting partner for the last two years, and over this time has played a role in the advancement of the program with increased purses, contingency offerings and more for the program.

With 35 years of experience in the racing industry, COMP Cams has maintained the same core concept as day one – delivering Performance, Technology, Service and Results. This concept goes hand-in-hand with what the Memphis International Raceway has built its racing program on. 

“We are proud and appreciative having the MIR brand associated with COMP Cams, a well-respected leader in the racing industry. The race fans and automotive enthusiasts who frequent MIR are the perfect target demographic for COMP Cams; their commitment to the core of our racing business is vital to Memphis International Raceway, as we move into our 2014 season of racing and beyond,” said Pam Kendrick, Vice President and General Manager at Memphis International Raceway. 

“We’re happy to continue our association with Memphis International Raceway. It’s important that the dedicated performance enthusiasts in the Memphis area have a place to race, and the staff at MIR have created not only one of the best tracks in the Mid-South, but also in the country,” said Chris Douglas, Vice President of Marketing for the COMP Performance Group. “The passion on display by all participants during every event is a perfect fit for the COMP Cams brand.” 

“We have one of the most versatile and premier motorsport and entertainment facilities in the country, and it is the team’s goal at MIR to continue to build valuable partnerships like the one with COMP Cams and MIR that will allow us to expand our schedule and racing facilities,” noted Kendrick.

CMC Markets to Sponsor NSW Waratahs

The NSW Waratahs have today confirmed a partnership with global online trading company CMC Markets.

The announcement comes just 24 hours after the signing of back of jersey Ray White.  The CMC Markets logo will appear on the lower back position of the new-look 2014 NSW Waratahs jersey and will be first worn when NSW hosts the Western Force in the opening game of the new Super Rugby season at Allianz Stadium on February 23. 

Praising the combination as a winning one, clinic Waratahs Rugby CEO Jason Allen said, capsule “CMC Markets is a market-leading innovator within the global financial services space.

“Their brand is a perfect fit with the culture and brand values of the NSW Waratahs and I’ve got no doubt that having an international blue chip company of their calibre will be a terrific advantage for everyone involved in rugby in NSW.”

With rugby well and truly on the radar in the build up to the Rugby World Cup 2015, price ed Matt Lewis, Head of CMC Markets ANZ, added, “It’s a perfect time to be part of the NSW Waratahs’ winning team.

“The Tahs are one of Australia’s most iconic sporting teams and an iconic brand.  This is a winning combination: both teams are steeped in a successful history and consistently strive for excellence.

“This is a signature year for CMC Markets, as we celebrate 25 years as a market leading innovator in the global financial services.  Like the Waratahs, who celebrate 140 years this year, the continued support of our trading community and client base is critical to our future success.”

The arrival of CMC Markets as lower back sponsor leaves just one remaining inventory position on the strip (sleeve sponsor), which the NSW Waratahs expect to secure before the start of the Super Rugby season.

Gilbert Remains Exclusive Super Rugby Ball Supplier

SANZAR (South Africa, price New Zealand and Australia Rugby) have announced a two-year extension of its long-standing partnership with Gilbert to continue its role as the exclusive Super Rugby ball supplier.

Greg Peters, cough SANZAR CEO said, “Gilbert has been a great supporter of rugby in the Southern Hemisphere and is one of our key relationships, going all the way back to the competition’s inception in 1996.

“I’m sure our players will be thrilled with Gilbert’s reappointment as their balls are widely recognised as the best in the world, providing an unmatched level of quality and consistency. 

“This was emphasised during extensive product testing throughout a select group of Super Rugby players in all three territories where the Gilbert ball performed exceptionally well.”

Nick Gray, GILBERT Sales & Marketing Manager said, “Everyone at Gilbert is delighted to be extending our partnership with SANZAR and Super Rugby.

“We have enjoyed being a part of this thrilling competition since 1996 and look forward to the continuation of the expansive play which has seen Super Rugby lead the way in global rugby entertainment.”

Jon Clarke, Gilbert Brand Manager added, “In recognition of our renewal we are delighted to announce that we have introduced a new range of Super Rugby match ball designs for the 2014 season.

“We wanted to produce a design that better reflected the speed and excitement of Super Rugby while also highlighting the fierce rivalries within each conference. Although we have retained our traditional trademark ellipse, it now includes a series of stripes that accentuate the rotation of the ball in flight and the addition of lime green increases visibility for players.

“We have also produced a ball designed for local derby matches which features a gold (Australia), silver (New Zealand) or green (South Africa) trim as a nod to the home nation. Replicas of these newly designed balls will be available in stores from early March.”

Kukri Named Official Kit Supplier of Warwickshire Cricket

Sportswear company Kukri has been named the Official Kit Supplier of Warwickshire County Cricket Club up until the 2016 season.

Kukri, order   who provide playing and training kit for numerous leading clubs and international sports teams, here will provide Warwickshire’s playing kit for the LV= County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup as well as the kit for the new NatWest t20 Blast competition, ailment where the team will play as the Birmingham Bears.

Gareth Roberts, Commercial Director of Warwickshire CCC, said: “Kukri is already working with several county cricket clubs and the firm’s designers have been fantastic in creating a unique look for the Bears in the 2014 season.

“The new kit designs represent the Club’s traditional colours of navy, white and yellow and we’re looking forward to unveiling the designs of the Royal London One-Day Cup and NatWest t20 Blast shirts when the players return from the pre-season tour in late-March.”

As part of the activation, Kukri will receive perimeter branding within Warwickshire’s Edgbaston Stadium, tickets and hospitality packages at all of its Major Match Days, whilst all replica shirts, training kit and leisurewear will be sold through the Shop at Edgbaston.

Kukri GB Sales Director, Scott Gamble, adds: “We are delighted to be partnering one of the most successful County Cricket Clubs in all formats of the game. We love our cricket at Kukri and look forward to seeing Warwickshire CCC go from strength to strength. We have worked hard to create designs for the new kit which will win the approval of players and fans alike. We’re really excited here at Kukri and know it’s going to be a big hit.”

Schüco Renews Naming Rights of Arminia Bielefeld’s Stadium

Bundesliga 2 team Arminia Bielefeld have renewed their partnership with Schüco International KG who will retain stadium naming rights for a further three years until June 2017.

The extension continues their partnership that began in January 2004.

The SchücoArena has evolved along with their SkyOffices and the office of the DSC to the workplace of many East Westphalia. In addition to various regular fan and education projects, apoplectic she is also meeting place for numerous social projects become and also offers companies not only attractive Third use of opportunities beyond the sport. Is used sustainably and the grandstand roof of the East Stand: With the help of 8,000 individual photovoltaic modules produce Schüco and Stadtwerke Bielefeld here 80,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year.

Thomas Lauritzen, Schüco International KG, said: “The further extension of naming rights is a clear commitment of our company to the Bielefeld site. Arminia and Schüco will continue to benefit from this intensive partnership. “

Marcus Uhlig, Arminia Bielefield-CEO: “We are very pleased that Schüco International KG to know in the future as a strong partner at our side. The contract extension over the stadium naming rights in the tenth year of its existence is a great story and an expression of a strong Bielefeld partnership. “

Philipp Hasenbein, Managing SPORT FIVE: “The collaboration with the Schüco International KG is very closely and intensively for many years and we are happy to continue this cooperation. For the club, it is important to be able to forgive this very valuable marketing law constant at such a prestigious, ostwestfälisches company.”

Verizon Wireless Expands Team Penske Sponsorship to Include Juan Pablo Montoya

Verizon Wireless, a long-time sponsor of Team Penske, will sponsor Juan Pablo Montoya’s return to open wheel racing.

The company announced Monday an expanded partnership with Team Penske that will sponsor Montoya’s eight races.

Verizon is also continuing its full-season sponsorship of Will Power. Verizon will also be the primary sponsor for Power, Montoya and Helio Castroneves at the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

“Verizon has been a terrific partner for Team Penske and we are excited to continue to grow our relationship with them in 2014 and beyond,” Penske said in a statement. “Verizon’s technology and marketing activation has meant so much to Team Penske and the sport of IndyCar racing and we look forward to building on this special partnership.”

The expanded partnership includes a multi-year contract extension with Team Penske for Verizon to provide wireless services for all of the Penske teams.

Verizon first partnered with Team Penske in 2009 as primary sponsor for Power in the Indianapolis 500. Verizon has since been on Power’s car for 17 wins, 25 poles and 28 podium finishes.

Penske has high hopes for Montoya, who won the CART championship in 1999 and the Indianapolis 500 the next year. Montoya spent the last seven years in NASCAR driving for Penske rival Chip Ganassi, and he became available when Ganassi decided not to renew his contract for 2014.

Penske grabbed him for his third IndyCar seat, which only ran six races last season with AJ Allmendinger.

“We want to see Juan win some races and he wants to win the championship,” Penske said. “He’s really motivated, and he feels he has something to prove. To me, he’s done well in tests and he’s gotten comfortable in the car, and now it is up to us to give him the tools he needs, and to be sure he understands how competitive it is out there.”

Montoya has shed more than 20 pounds since last summer, and Penske believes he’s adapted quickly with Castroneves and Power.

“We just had to get Montoya out of the jeans and into the black pants,” Penske said. “Other than that, it should be easy to work with him.”

Montoya was scheduled to be back in an Indy car Monday during a test session at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., where the Penske organization hoped for a better showing than last month’s session at Sebring, Fla. All three cars ranked near the bottom on the speed charts, and Montoya was last out of the 11 drivers at the test.

“It shows we have more work to do, although Juan was faster than the time showed,” said Tim Cindric, president of Team Penske. “He knows he needs to pick up the pace. His time off is working against him, and the braking is so much more than he is used to. It is the commitment and the balance between working up to it and being fully committed.”

STX to Supply Team USA Lacrosse Until 2016

Baltimore based sporting goods supplier STX LLC has signed a deal to provide equipment for Team USA lacrosse through 2016.

The men’s national team will train and play games in STX gear. The equipment includes StallionHD gloves and padding, and Shield Pro gloves for goalies.

“We are extremely excited to be the equipment provider for Team USA, undoubtedly on the biggest lacrosse stage in the world this summer,” STX spokesman Greg Tate said in a statement. “As STX grows its market share globally and expands into new product lines, we are proud to stay true to our lacrosse roots and help the U.S. men’s team defend its world champion title.”

The team will compete in the FIL World Championships starting July 10 in Denver.

Budweiser Set to End Title Sponsorship of FA Cup

The Football Association have revealed that Budweiser will end their title sponsorship of the FA Cup at the end of this year’s competition.

In a statement released on Friday, the FA announced it is seeking a new lead partner from the 2014-15 season following the American drinks firm’s decision to end its three association with the competition.

The FA’s Commercial Director, Stuart Turner, said: “Budweiser has embraced The FA Cup and we’re grateful for their support.

“The Cup retains a special place in English football and it remains an important competition, not just in England but across the globe.

“Next year The FA Cup will move to the BBC’s platforms and we are very excited about its future.”

Iain Newell, Budweiser’s On Trade Sales Director, added: “We are proud of our support for the world’s most prestigious domestic cup competition.

“The partnership has been great for Budweiser, fans and clubs around the UK, and in particular those grassroots clubs who have benefitted from £1m of Budweiser grants through the Club Futures programme.

“We are excited to be bringing fans closer to The FA Cup this season with the launch of ‘Budweiser Open Trials.’ This gives amateur footballers the opportunity to realise their dreams and win a chance to play at Wembley.

“We continue our long standing association with football through Budweiser’s sponsorship of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.”

Mercedes-Benz Becomes Exclusive Car Partner of Hong Kong Golf Association

Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited have become the first ever Exclusive Car Partner of the Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA) in anew three-year partnership.

Mercedes has also secured the title sponsorship of the annual HKGA Mercedes-Benz Classic, see an amateur golf tournament for men and ladies at Discovery Bay Golf Club in March.

Andreas Binder, drug President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited commented, cough  “For the past five years, Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong has been promoting the sport of golf through the MercedesTrophy Hong Kong, part of the internationally renowned MercedesTrophy with more than 60,000 participants in over 60 countries in 2013. The partnership with Hong Kong Golf Association would open up this unique golfing experience to a much wider golfer community across Hong Kong.”

Tom Phillips, the HKGA’s Chief Executive Officer said, “The commitment from Mercedes-Benz will be invaluable in helping the HKGA to continue creating opportunity for golfers in Hong Kong of all ages and abilities.  Furthermore, the support of such a world-class brand as Mercedes-Benz is a glowing endorsement of the HKGA’s new sponsorship programme which will see us partner with a select number of blue-chip brands in Hong Kong to promote amateur golf.”