Freeride World Tour have confirmed Swatch as its title partner for three more years from 2015 through to 2017. 

The Swiss watch manufacturer has been a partner of Freeride since the Xtreme Verbier event in 1997 and the new 3-year extension makes for a historic 20-year relationship with the sport. 

Freeride World Tour Europe Region General Manager Nicolas Hale-Woods said: “Pursuing Freeride World Tour’s development with Swatch as title sponsor is fabulous. A partner since the beginning, Swatch’s long-term commitment to the sport is a fantastic reward for the riders, organizers, partners and fans. Together, we’ll be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Xtreme Verbier in 2015, a great pride knowing the sport’s progression is only starting…”

Commenting on the agreement, Swatch Creative Director Carlo Giordanetti said: “We are very happy and proud to announce the renewal of our partnership with the Freeride World Tour. As title sponsor and partner we will continue working with the FWT organization to develop the format further and take this amazing event to the next level. Just as the riders are always pushing their limits, Swatch continues to surprise the world with unexpected styles, colors and dynamic products.”

The organisers of the Aircel Chennai Open have renewed their partnership with Ricoh as an Official Sponsor.

The company is a trusted technology leader specialising in the office and production printing markets. The 18th edition of India’s only and South Asia’s leading ATP World Tour event will be held from December 31st 2012 to January 6th 2013 and will see an exciting line-up of Indian and International players including four top 20 players in action.

Ricoh is associated with leading global tennis events that include the coveted Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and their continued association with India’s and South Asia’s only ATP World Tour tennis event is testimony to the significance and stature of the tournament.

In its capacity as an official sponsor, Ricoh will continue to offer critical state-of-the-art printing and copying services and aid in the smooth conduct of Aircel Chennai Open 2013.

Nobuaki Majima, Managing Director of Ricoh Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. stated, “Aircel Chennai Open is among the most popular tournaments of its kind in this part of the continent. Each year, the event has grown in significance and popularity and has gone on to achieve greater heights. The partnership has been mutually beneficial and very rewarding. It’s an honour to play a part in facilitating such a significant event by offering carbon-friendly document management solutions to ATP. Being associated with a tournament of such high stature complements our effort to extensively promote high quality yet environmental-friendly business solutions to every business. We look forward to strengthening this association in the seasons to come.”

Ashu Jindal, COO IMG Reliance said, said: “Aircel Chennai Open has been privileged to garner support from leading global brands like Ricoh. Chennai has become the definitive ATP World Tour destination in South Asia and as we grow from strength to strength each year, we acknowledge and express our gratitude to partners such as Ricoh for their long standing support to us and to the sport.”

Leinster Rugby have selected Samsung as their new Official Technology Partner after a deal with Samsung Electronics IT and Mobile Ireland.

Throughout the partnership, to further strengthen the demanding squad training programme, Samsung and its technologies will provide greater analytical assistance to the team.

Samsung will provide its innovative technology solutions to the squad for use among the training academy through the ranks to first team players including Jamie Heaslip, Dave Kearney and Brian O’Driscoll, with the overall goal to assist in team training productivity.

Central to the activities will be the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, the ATIV Book 9 Lite and its latest flagship devices, Galaxy Gear and Galaxy Note 3.

Key products from Samsung will assist in assessing daily training and well-being responses for each individual athlete. The level of detail provided via the Samsung devices will give coaching staff the opportunity to personalise programmes for players with the most up-to-date medical and fitness data, ensuring the highest possible level of performance from players on a week to week basis.

Gary Twohig, General Manager, Samsung Electronics IT & Mobile Ireland said, “We’re delighted to be the Official Technology Partner of Leinster Rugby. The team have a proven track record when it comes to international and national sporting excellence so we’re confident our products will enhance team performance and efficiencies through intuitive technologies. The Samsung Note 10.1 will allow players and coaches to access training programmes and key statistics on the move, either at home or away. The convergence of content between our devices allows for seamless sharing directly from the device giving the coaches the real time data required to make tactical decisions during training and game situations.”

Mick Dawson, Chief Executive Leinster Rugby, added: “Samsung are committed to providing top quality, innovative software and we are delighted to welcome Samsung on board as Technology Partner to the province. The technology that Samsung will provide will greatly benefit the squad and backroom team’s preparations and analysis over the coming months and their addition to our stable of loyal and valued sponsors is a timely one as we gear up for a busy period in the campaign.”

American menswear fashion designer Joseph Abboud will continue to be the official wardrobe supplier to the National Basketball Coaches Association for the current 2013/14 season.

This is Joseph Abboud’s fifth season as the supplier.

The coaches were measured during the annual NBA Head Coaches meeting held in September, where they selected from hundreds of fabric swatches, and a range of styles and silhouettes, to create an exclusive, made-to-measure suit.  All Joseph Abboud suits are made in America at the company’s factory, in New Bedford, MA.  The coaches received their custom garments prior to the start of the NBA season in October.

“Pat Riley first set the standard for court side style and the NBA coaches have stepped up their fashion game ever since, bringing their unique style to the game of basketball.  Speaking personally, not only as a designer but also as a huge NBA fan, I am thrilled and honored to wardrobe these talented coaches in our made in America, Joseph Abboud suits,” said Joseph Abboud, Chief Creative Director at Men’s Wearhouse.

“All of my fellow Head Coaches look forward to kicking off the season with a fresh new wardrobe,” said Coach Rick Carlisle, Head Coach of the Dallas Mavericks. “As the Official Wardrobe Supplier to the National Basketball Coaches Association,Joseph Abboud will make sure that participating Coaches look their best on and off the court.  Working with a designer who focuses on the right style, fit and whose clothing is manufactured here in the USA, were all important factors in forging this relationship.  Coaches have worn Joseph Abboud clothing at one time or another during our careers and we know that withJoseph Abboud on our team we will look our best.”

The organising committee for the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games have announced Schenker of Canada Limited, the Canadian arm of DB Schenker, have become their Official Logistics Supplier.

As part of the deal, Schenker will transport more than a million items, from folding tables and chairs to basketballs, trampolines and kayaks. They will also provide 6,968 square metres (75,000 square feet) of warehouse space, warehouse operations (including staff and equipment), freight transportation and freight distribution operations, venue and Athletes’ Village logistics operations, as well as customs clearance and freight forwarding.

Part of a global enterprise, DB Schenker has extensive experience in the provision of logistics services for the International Paralympic Committee and several National Olympic Committees at major international sporting events, including the Sochi, London, Vancouver and Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games. In Canada, the company has worked with Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton, Cross Country Canada and the Canadian Cycling Association to ensure their equipment gets to events across the country and around the world.

“As the Official Logistics Supplier to the TORONTO 2015 Games, Schenker of Canada will play a major role in delivering the largest international multi-sport Games ever held in this country,” said Eric Dewey, chief executive officer of Schenker of Canada Limited.

“With 1,400 employees and more than 40 branches, we’re a leading logistics provider in Canada and our DB SCHENKERsportsevents team has had great success working on sports events here in Canada,” he said. “Our team is committed to providing logistics support and services at all times, ensuring athletes, officials and Games’ staff have everything they need to make these the best Pan Am/Parapan Am Games ever.”

“We’re extremely fortunate to have a company with the expertise and experience of Schenker of Canada coming on board to help us deliver the Games,” said Ian Troop, chief executive officer of TO2015. “A great logistics team means our athletes, officials, volunteers and staff can perform with ease and confidence when the world is watching in 2015. The importance of Schenker of Canada’s role leading up to and during the Games cannot be underestimated.”