Sauber F1 Announce Unifin & Interproteccion Partnerships for New Season

The Sauber F1 team have announced today an extension to their premium partnership with insurance broker Interproteccion for a fourth year and a new established partnership with Mexican financial institution Unifin.

Sauber and Interproteccion first teamed up in 2011, and the extension means that the logos of the Mexican company will be visible on the pylons of the front wing of the Sauber C33-Ferrari, as well as on the drivers’ overalls and the team gear.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Interproteccion,” said Sauber F1 team principal Monisha Kaltenborn. “The past three years have been a successful and fruitful cooperation. 

“Interproteccion operates in more than 150 countries and they are growing,” she added. “We are pleased that they have chosen us as their international platform in order for them to connect to their target audience.”

“We are thrilled to continue the partnership with the Sauber F1 Team,” responded Interproteccion CEO Juan Ignacio Casanueva. “This will be the fourth year and together we have developed a successful synergy between the team and the company. Interproteccion is always aiming to achieve the highest standards, with both our clients and our partners. 

“Supporting talented young drivers like Esteban Gutiérrez, who has a brilliant future in motorsport, is a way of saying ‘we believe in Mexico, we believe in success’,” he added.

The logo of the Mexican financial institution will be on top of the nose of the Sauber C33-Ferrari and the drivers’ overalls.

Unifin Financiera is a Mexican financial institution with over 20 years of experience. It has positioned itself as one of the leading companies in its sector. Unifin business areas are: Leasing, Factoring and Auto Credit, with the goal to offer customers the highest quality in financial services to advance together. All this while relying on the professionalism of human, technological and financial resources, aimed at quality and satisfaction.

Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal, commented on the deal: “We are happy to welcome Unifin as our Premium Partner. Unifin was featured on both Sauber C32-Ferraris during the Italian GP last season. We are pleased to be able to extend and deepen this partnership with them and look forward to a successful cooperation.”

Rodrigo Lebois Mateos, Unifin Chairman, added: “It is an honour and we are proud to announce our partnership with the Sauber F1 Team. We are sure it will a year full of achievements for Esteban Gutiérrez and Adrian Sutil. We´re confident that this partnership will be very successful.”

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NOVA Chemicals Extends Toro Rosso Sponsorship

With the launch of their new car Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula 1 team have renewed their sponsorship deal with NOVA Chemicals.

Having come on board in mid-2011, NOVA Chemicals has now extended its agreement for a further three years.

“NOVA Chemicals and Toro Rosso are both driven to succeed. Whether it’s on the circuit or in business, we share the same belief that great safety, focus and innovation will lead to great performance,” commented NOVA Chemicals’ CEO, Randy Woelfel. “Our shared vision to be industry leaders makes Toro Rosso the right platform to help us expand our brand recognition around the world.”

“We are delighted that NOVA Chemicals has decided to continue its involvement with Scuderia Toro Rosso and over a three year period,” commented Team Principal, Franz Tost. “It’s a show of confidence in the value of our partnership that has worked so well over the past two and a half years. This new long term cooperation is of great help when it comes to planning our future, as Toro Rosso strives to move up the order and the grid! In addition, the partnership with NOVA Chemicals has also led to valuable synergies on the technical front.”

Delancey Becomes Headline Sponsor of British Ski & Snowboard

British Ski and Snowboard (BSS) have signed a new sponsorship deal with specialist real estate investment advisory, Delancey ahead of Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

This will see Delancey extend their current sponsorship, currently limited to the British Alpine Ski Team, to becoming the Headline Sponsor for British Ski and Snowboard. 

The deal encompasses funding for all teams, including Alpine, Snowboard, Freestyle and Cross Country. This extended commitment to the future of British snowsports will give British Ski and Snowboard’s elite athletes funding until May 2016, and provide a welcome boost ahead of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, which begins in less than two weeks. 

Delancey’s investment will support the training and development programmes for upcoming and established British athletes. It will be vital for those working towards the 2014 Games and will also reach younger stars, giving them the opportunity to pursue their passion via the provision of facilities and training in the UK and internationally. 

The headline sponsorship will be in addition to Delancey’s title sponsorship of the Delancey British National Alpine Championships. Supported by Delancey for the 4th year, the Championships takes place in Meribel, with Senior and Junior racing from 30th March to 7th April, followed by the Under 16 and Under 14 Championships from 8 April to 11 April. The Championships is the biggest event on the British Alpine Ski calendar, and provides the opportunity for young British athletes to race and train on the same pistes recently chosen by FIS to host the Finals of the Alpine Ski World Cup in 2015. 

Jamie Ritblat, Delancey’s Founder & CEO said: “With exciting young talent to watch at the upcoming Olympics, such as Sheffield born James Woods who honed his skills on a local dry ski slope, and new prime-time TV shows such as ‘The Jump’, snowports have become more popular than ever before. However, if we are to inspire and create success internationally, we need to provide the financial resources to do that.” 

“Delancey is delighted to be able to help not only young people, who have demonstrated their potential, but also those whose international pedigree is already evident, backing them in training and competition at world-class level. I am thrilled to be able to provide the support they so readily deserve from a young age, and to ensure Team GB continues to be a leading force in winter sports.“ 

BSS Chief Executive Dave Edwards commented: “Delancey’s support, provided through the generosity of Jamie, and Sir John, during the last four years has been invaluable and has enabled us to qualify nineteen Snowsport athletes, in what is probably the strongest British Snowsport squad to travel to an Olympic Winter Games. 

“This new,exciting, arrangement will enable us to continue the work that we have started and will help us to create an even stronger team of athletes who can win multiple medals in Korea in 2018 and win World Cup and World Championship medals on their way there.”

Read our full lenth interview with BSS Chairman John Brewer Ahead of Sochi Olympics

RockTape Extend Team Garmin-Sharp Sponsorship

RockTape, anabolics which produces kinesiology tape, announced today it will be the kinesiology tape sponsor of Team Garmin-Sharp, a top American cycling team for for the fourth year in a row.

RockTape will provide the team with kinesiology tape for the entire 2014 season.

RockTape is used in endurance sports throughout the world to treat common muscle injuries throughout the body, like shin splints and knee and quad, back and neck strain. RockTape is also used for performance to strengthen and support weak muscles prone to injury.

When applied to the skin, RockTape restores the muscle by promoting blood flow to the injured area. It is thin, light, supportive and comfortable to wear for up to 5 days, and is perfect for treating Achilles tendons, plantar fasciitis, lower back problems, shoulders, calves and more.

“Our roster includes some of the most talented riders in the world,” said Kevin Reichlin, Team Chiropracter, Team Garmin-Sharp. “We use RockTape throughout the season – during training and races across the globe – to treat injuries and help prevent and alleviate muscle pain, soreness and fatigue so that our riders can focus on what they do best – racing.”

“Training and racing in pro-cycling is rigorous, and can put a great deal of strain on the body,” said Andrew Talansky. “We use RockTape to help prevent and recover from injury while training and racing, all year long.”

“Being selected to support athletes in a sport that I have competed in means a great deal to me,” said RockTape CEO, Greg van den Dries. “I know the sacrifice it takes to train and applaud this team for their endurance. RockTape is a great product that is up to the task and physical demands of this sport, and I’m thrilled Slipstream Sports has chosen RockTape once again, as an official sponsor and product they use with their team.”

South African Football Association Name Nike as Kit Supplier

American sports retailer Nike have announced a new partnership with South African Football Association (SAFA) with the leading sports company design and develop football kits for the men’s and women’s South African national football teams.

The five-year partnership begins in February with all national teams receiving Nike’s team kits across performance, doctor training and equipment, including match balls.

“This partnership signifies Nike’s deep commitment to support and advance South African football at all levels of the game, from the national team to grassroots football,” said Laurent Payre, General Manager, Nike Africa.  “We look forward to providing innovative product technology to help players reach their full potential, and to helping shape the future success of South African football.”

Nike will provide a limited edition kit for Bafana Bafana – the men’s senior national team – for their international friendly against Brasil in Johannesburg on March 5, and all senior national teams competing until December 2014. The 2015-2016 kit will be unveiled in November 2014, with an assortment of supporter-wear being available from early January 2015.

The partnership also provides SAFA with access to the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto (pictured), Johannesburg – a world-class training facility built by Nike in 2010. Through Nike’s football training programs and grassroots initiatives including The Chance, Manchester United Premier Cup and the elite training conducted there, the SAFA technical team will have the immediate opportunity to identify, fast track and nurture young football talent.

“We are excited to partner with Nike and look forward to this comprehensive partnership enabling us to focus on the progression of football. This is a significant time for South African football as we embark on strengthening our structures especially across development and grassroots”, said Danny Jordaan, President, South African Football Association.

Viagogo Named Official International Ticketing Partner of 2014 World Snooker Championship

World Snooker have named viagogo as their Official International Ticketing Partner for the 2014 World Championship.

The Swiss company will also be the Secondary Ticketing Partner and Ticket Marketplace Partner of the event which runs from April 19 to May 5, 2014.

The partnership will give snooker fans the chance to buy and sell tickets on viagogo’s secure marketplace with the guarantee that they will get the tickets they paid for in time for the event, even if they are sold out at the box office.

A spokesperson for World Snooker said: “We established viagogo as a partner last season and we are delighted to join up with them again for the 2014 World Championship. This service gives fans a chance to buy tickets on the viagogo marketplace after the official box office sells out.

“The World Championship is our blue riband event and the atmosphere at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield is second to none.”

Viagogo spokesperson Steve Roest said: “We’re excited to add the 2014 World Snooker Championship to the roster of global events for which we are the official ticket marketplace. These include the Roland-Garros French Open, the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, the BNP Paribas Masters, Turkish Airlines Euroleague Basketball and the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

“We’re delighted to be working with our partners at World Snooker to give even more fans the chance to watch 2014’s final at the Crucible.”

Time Warner Cable Extends Victor Cruz Sponsorship

Time Warner Cable have extended their endorsement deal with New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, symptoms through 2017.

In addition to continuing his role as spokesperson for the company’s Enjoy Sports Better initiative, drugs Cruz will also appear in national advertising campaigns, on weekly segments on Time Warner Cable News NY1 Noticias during the NFL regular season, and he will actively engage with fans via the cable company’s social platforms, along with other activities designed exclusively for Time Warner Cable customers.

“Victor Cruz has proven to be the perfect partner in helping us deliver our Enjoy Sports Better efforts and getting our customers excited about the services and special offers we create for passionate sports fans,” said Jeffrey A. Hirsch, Time Warner Cable’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing/Sales Officer. “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership.”

As part of the partnership, Victor Cruz will also continue to support Time Warner Cable’s commitment to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through its Connect a Million Minds (CAMM) initiative- a program the pro-football player has been actively involved in to promote the STEM in Sports.

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HSBC Remains Official Banking Partner of Rugby Players’ Association

Leading global bank HSBC has extended its longstanding relationship with the Rugby Players’ Association for a further three years.

The new deal will see HSBC continue as the Official Banking Partner of the RPA as well as sponsoring the HSBC England Sevens Player of the Year Award at The RPA Computacenter Players’ Awards.

HSBC has committed long term investment in Rugby around the world, viagra pharmacy sponsoring the IRB Sevens World Series, ailment the 2009 and 2013 British & Irish Lions Tours, the Hong Kong Sevens, the Australian Rugby Union and the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens.

HSBC’s continued commitment to the RPA includes the provision of a range of banking and financial services for RPA members, as well as engaging with the RPA Player Development Programme. The RPA will also assist HSBC in securing past and present players for commercial appearances to support the banks wider Rugby activation programme.

Andrea de Vincentiis, Head of Sponsorship Planning at HSBC, said: “The RPA is an important part of HSBC’s rugby investment which aims to help grow and develop the sport at all levels.  2014 represents another important year for HSBC and Rugby in the UK and around the world, with the continued growth of the Sevens World Series, most notably here in London, as well the new partnership with the Wallabies. We look forward to continuing to build our partnership with the RPA and helping players develop away from the pitch.”

Nick Byrom, Commercial Director of the RPA, said: “HSBC have an outstanding reputation as a global leader in banking and sponsorship and we are therefore delighted they are continuing their relationship with us for another three years.

“This partnership strengthens HSBCs commitment to help the growth and development of the sport by supporting RPA members through the Player Development Programme. We look forward to helping HSBC to secure players for commercial appearances to aid their Rugby activation, creating additional opportunities for our members.”

Canterbury Becomes Irish Rugby Football Union’s Kit Supplier

Leading sports clothing brand Canterbury of New Zealand has been announced as the new kit supplier to the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Irish fans will see the Ireland team line up in the new Canterbury kit for the first time at the Aviva Stadium on November 8th when they take on South Africa. The new multi-million euro deal announced today unites the two brands from 1stSeptember for six years until 2020, decease including two World Cup tournaments.

Canterbury will work closely with the IRFU management and international players to produce match day, training and bench wear for the national squad as well as all junior and underage teams including the O2 Irish Wolfhounds, Under 20’s and Women’s national side. Official Canterbury IRFU merchandise will be sold through all major sports retailers and online from autumn 2014.

Chris Stephenson, Canterbury CEO, added: “In the IRFU we have found a partner with shared values, a shared heritage and a shared focus and ambition to succeed at the pinnacle of our disciplines. These mutual traits were paramount in our decision to join forces and share in what we believe will be a truly exciting journey for Irish Rugby, most particularly the supporters, and Canterbury through the next two Rugby World Cups.”

Commenting Pat Fitzgerald, President IRFU, added: “I’d like to welcome Canterbury into the Irish Rugby family as we journey towards the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Having the backing of the world’s top rugby apparel brand is testament to the strength of the Irish Rugby brand and reflects positively on the progressive steps being taken to ensure that we cement our position at the top of world rugby.”

Since its establishment in 1904 Canterbury has expanded to become the world’s largest rugby apparel brand and is the official kit of six rugby nations including England, Russia, Spain, Japan, USA and now Ireland. Bringing over a century of experience to the table, Canterbury will team up with the IRFU for the second time since their inaugural partnership which ran from 2000 until 2009.

PGA Golfer Kevin Streelman Endorses Avitae Caffeinated Water

Leading caffeinated water company Avitae USA, LLC has revealed it has signed PGA golfer Kevin Streelman on an endorsement contract.

Streelman, a seventh-year PGA Tour veteran, will wear the Avitae logo on his left collar, including this week at the 2014 Waste Management Phoenix Open in Phoenix, Ariz. Streelman will also collaborate with the brand through appearances and social media.

“We could not be more thrilled to partner with Kevin, one of golf’s rising stars,” said Norm Snyder, president and chief executive officer of Avitae. “Kevin is the perfect example of the type of person who loves Avitae. He’s young, active and keeps fit. Kevin and his wife have a newborn, so now more than ever he needs that instant-go, all-natural energy kick that Avitae provides. We’re honored to join Kevin’s loyal fans and the golf community in cheering him on to success.”

The relationship will focus on spreading awareness of Avitae and its many benefits as well as connecting the Avitae product with athletes, fans and young individuals looking for a natural drink that can provide a pick-me-up before the start of a workday, an important game or a key business meeting.

“Avitae is a company and brand that really resonates with me,” said Streelman. “My wife and I are young and health-conscious. We just started a family and we care about what we put into our bodies. I’ve always been a coffee drinker and my wife drinks diet sodas. Now with Avitae there is a natural way for us to get our energy kick. That’s so important to us and I’m really excited about it.”

Streelman earned his PGA Tour card through 2007 Qualifying School and experienced great success in his first six years on tour. Last March, Streelman picked up his first PGA Tour win at the 2013 Tampa Bay Championship with a solid and patient final Sunday round. He launched the 2014 tour by finishing T3 at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Hawaii.