The United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) has announced a new sponsor as part of the new direction in US cricket.

The Smart Choice Auto Group will be a Support Sponsor of the US National Men’s team for the next year, sick providing much needed support for the USACA high performance programme.

The Houston based automobile group will appear on the US Men’s National team uniforms for all international events in the next twelve months. This includes the upcoming Auty Cup Series against Canada in Toronto and the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier to be held in Dubai in November of this year.

USACA CEO Mr. Darren Beazley was delighted to have the support of Smart Choice Auto Group: “US cricket is currently working hard to develop a professional and positive approach to our preparation and performances on the international cricket stage. Part of that new approach is to have the support of corporate America and we are thrilled that Smart Choice Auto Group has seen fit to back this new direction. Our team is working hard in preparation for the Auty Cup in Toronto beginning July 24th and I know that the guys will be doing their level best to start the relationship with our new sponsor on the right foot.”

“Smart Choice Auto Group has been servicing Greater Houston Metropolitan, and Pasadena and its surrounding areas for over 13 years. We strive to make the customer experience with Smart Choice Auto Group an excellent one. As our company grows, buy sale | we are looking for marketing vehicles that will promote a positive community message and allow us to interact with our clientsin the USA and in the UAE. With that objective in mind, a sponsorship partnership with the US National Men’s team made a lot of sense.”

Smart Choice Auto Group President and CEO Mr. Sakhi Muhammad said: “Smart Choice supports cricket and other sports in the Houston area, but we are looking to grow our brand presence in other markets and now is the righttime to get involved in US cricket. We’ll have our clients with us in Dubai in November and we are hoping that our financial support will give the US team the very best chance of succeeding and maybe reaching a T20 World Cup.”

“Smart Choice intends to bring a commercial aspect in cricket. Currently the Houston Cricket League is named the HCL Smart Choice League, Smart Choice Central West Trophy 2013 and now delighted to be part of US National team.”

Kenny Wallace has announced U.S. Cellular will sponsor his car during the NASCAR Nationwide Series’ DuPont Pioneer 250 Saturday and U.S. Cellular 250 Aug. 3 in Newton.

“In an effort to show our continued support for the U.S. Cellular 250, health we decided to steer our involvement with Kenny to the race track, erectile ” said Kathy Hust, doctor Mid-Central Region Vice President for U.S. Cellular. “We look forward to seeing his No. 29 car with U.S. Cellular logos zoom around Iowa Speedway’s track.” 

Wallace has earned $11,332,891 during his 23-year Nationwide Series career. Wallace is a nine-time winner and three-time most popular driver in the Nationwide Series. Wallace, who has made the most starts in Nationwide Series history, finished seventh and sixth during his last two Iowa Speedway appearances in 2011. 

Wallace did not race during last year’s U.S. Cellular 250 because he did not have a sponsor. This sponsorship with U.S. Cellular will help Wallace inch toward a milestone. 

“I really want to get nine races in this year because that would give me 900 NASCAR starts, so that’s my major goal,” Wallace said. “I am excited. I really appreciate U.S. Cellular’s sponsorship during these two Iowa Speedway races. I also look forward to meeting more race fans when I am in Iowa this summer.” 

U.S. Cellular will kickoff summer in Iowa with a free event July 31 hosted by Wallace that will be open to the public. U.S. Cellular also will give consumers a VIP experience during the U.S. Cellular 250 and Iowa State Fair with exciting surprises. The company will release additional details on the July 31 event in the coming weeks.

Major League Soccer (MLS) today announced that USA TODAY Sports Images has become the official photo partner of MLS and its business and marketing subsidiary, Soccer United Marketing (SUM), as part of a multi-year agreement.

The integrated partnership also calls for USA TODAY Sports Images to serve as the preferred photo provider for all MLS clubs, MLS special events, sponsors and licensees, as well as for MLS editorial staff and properties that include MLSsoccer.com and KickTV, among others. 

“Major League Soccer is one of the most dynamic sports brands in the world, and we’re thrilled to partner with them,” said Merrill Squires, SVP, Leagues and Properties for the USA TODAY Sports Media Group. “With its best-in-class photojournalists and platform delivery capabilities, we’re certain that USA TODAY Sports Images is the perfect match to not only capture the very best of MLS game action, but to provide MLS and SUM with an unparalleled level of image distribution and client service that its growth and popularity demands.” 

“USA Today Sports Images brings a level of commitment and customer service that we are really excited about,” said Maribeth Towers, SVP, MLS. “Their attention to detail in capturing the special moments that happen in our League and in our sport is evident in the quality of product that they consistently produce. There are many nuances in our sport and their knowledge, experience and focus is critical. They are experts in their field and we couldn’t be happier to have such an experienced partner capturing the intensity, passion and drama of MLS and its supporters.”  

As part of the partnership with MLS and SUM, USA TODAY Sports Images will create a dedicated MLS Portal within its newly-designed USA TODAY Sports Images digital platform, which was overhauled for state-of-the-art functionality and expanded content management capabilities in early 2013. 

The agreement with MLS and SUM marks the fifth league or property partnership for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, which also has marketing partnerships in place with NASCAR, The PGA Tour, UFC and Churchill Downs.

Westin Hotels & Resorts today announced a preferred partnership with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, link the leading series of entertainment themed road-running events, to offer a collection of premier marathon packages designed to give running enthusiasts a leg up on the competition.

Through this partnership, race participants can book a personalized, VIP marathon experience in key markets across the United States. From pre-race pasta dinners and group warm-up runs to VIP race bib pick up and access to Westin’s on-site recovery tent the new offering was designed to provide runners with the ultimate race experience. 

“Westin is deeply committed to its evolving fitness programming designed to make living a healthy lifestyle convenient for our guests,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader for Westin Hotels & Resorts. “We are excited to partner with Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series to build on our existing RunWESTIN program. Together, we offer all the tools to help runners have the ultimate race experience away from home whether a first-timer or seasoned veteran.”

Castrol GTX High Mileage, the official motor oil of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and Major League Soccer has announced Kasey Keller as its new brand ambassador. 

The American soccer legend will be featured across the Castrol GTX High Mileage “Best Miles Ahead” campaign and will also be making player appearances across Castrol sponsored events through 2014.

“Kasey is the ideal player for Castrol to partner with as he exemplifies the GTX High Mileage brand and idea of ‘best miles ahead’,” said Tracy Drelich , Associate Promotions/Sponsorship Manager for Castrol.  “Castrol is proud to celebrate Kasey’s long-standing, successful career and all of his accomplishments beyond the goal.”

Keller, who has had an impressive goalkeeping career across the globe, previously played for Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) and the United States Men’s National Soccer Team.  He is a four-time FIFA World Cup™ player and the first American goalkeeper to become a regular in the German Bundesliga, the English Premier League and the Spanish La Liga.  Currently, Keller is a commentator for ESPN and the Sounders’ color commentator in local broadcasts.

“As a former player and current soccer analyst, I am honored to be partnering with Castrol to support their ongoing dedication to soccer,” said Keller. “With the Castrol Index, the brand has created an innovative way to engage the soccer community.  It’s been exciting to watch the evolution of how player performances are reviewed since my time on the field.”

Castrol is also an official sponsor of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 and 2014 FIFA World Cup.  Castrol will support both the U.S. and Mexican Men’s National Teams as they continue their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.

German prosthetics company, cialis Ottobock has inked a deal with the local organising committee of the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships (COMAP).

The agreement was signed by Fabienne Bonnet, representing Otto Bock, and Marcel Ferrari, Vice-President of COMAP in charge of sport.

Under this agreement, Ottobock will provide athletes competing in the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships with immediate repairs for orthoses (devices which support the limbs), prosthetics (replacements for limbs) and wheelchairs.

Ottobock will also contribute to the promotion/exhibit village organised by COMAP and situated just outside the stadium, and provide a 200 square meter display, including a wheelchair parcour, wheelchair basketball try-out and an awareness tent..

Panasonic Asia Pacific has become the first company to become an official event sponsor for the 27th South East Asian Games – Myanmar 2013.

The deal was secured by Dentsu Sports Asia, ampoule the official Sponsorship Management Consultant to the Myanmar SEA Games organizing committee. 

Panasonic Asia Pacific will be the exclusive sponsor for a wide variety of household appliances needed at the Games and will also non-exclusively provide audio visual equipment such as televisions, capsule players and audio systems that will add color and bring the Games to life.

“We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with Panasonic as a sponsor for the SEA Games. The Games are returning to Myanmar after over 40 years and will see over 6,000 athletes in attendance. This is an ideal opportunity for businesses looking to extend their presence into Myanmar and establish themselves in the region. Dentsu Sports Asia will continue its endeavor to approach and select the best sponsors for this landmark event, and aggressively market the 27^th SEA Games,” said Kunihito Morimura, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dentsu Sports Asia.

Dentsu Sports Asia, the sports marketing arm of Dentsu Network/Asia was officially appointed as the Sponsorship Management Consultant for the 27^th SEA Games by the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

Under the terms of the agreement, Dentsu Sports Asia is tasked with the procurement and negotiation of sponsorship packages for the event in partnership with JK Consulting & Management, an affiliate of the JK Group based in Thailand.

“I am confident that Dentsu Sports Asia will continue to bring in even more sponsors and partners for the SEA Games. With its experience managing international sporting events and strong network of over 20 offices in the region, Dentsu Sports Asia has built a very distinctive competitive advantage which it can leverage for this event,” said Dick van Motman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dentsu Network Asia.

The biennial multi-sport SEA Games will be staged in Myanmar from December 11 – 22, 2013.