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MasterCard Becomes Official Payment Card of Roland-Garros

MasterCard today announced a partnership with the French Tennis Federation (FFT) to become the official payment card of the Roland-Garros tournament, cough one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments.

The partnership signals the start of a five year relationship between the French Tennis Federation (FFT) and MasterCard, which combines MasterCard’s expertise in technology and payments with FFT’s strengths in the organization, co-ordination and promotion of tennis in France and around the world.

“This is a great opportunity to reinforce our partnership with Roland-Garros and the French Open. It is one of the major events of the year, which demonstrates MasterCard’s expertise in sports sponsorship worldwide and the company’s ambition to continuously offer unique priceless experiences to our clients and tennis fans during the tournament,” explains Alfredo Gangotena, Chief Marketing Officer at MasterCard. “Through this event, we will give MasterCard cardholders and customers the chance to re-discover and enjoy the Priceless city of Paris in a unique way with prominent partners, locations and institutions specially selected for this occasion.”

“We are very happy to initiate this collaboration with MasterCard, one of the most prestigious brands in the world,” said Michel Grach, Media and Sponsoring Director at the FFT.

“The presence and commitment of MasterCard will contribute to the success of this season of Roland-Garros as well as the next ones. We hope that millions of tennis fans and card-holders will enjoy many priceless experiences.”

Gaspari Nutrition Sponsors Volleyball Player Agnieszka Pregowska

Gaspari Nutrition, adiposity a globally distributed sport nutrition company, has annonced the signing of professional volleyball player Agnieszka Pregowska to its team of athletes.

Pregowska was born in Warsaw, Poland where her father played professionally with the Polish National Team. She too has represented Poland in the FIVB Professional Beach Volleyball circuit and hopes to represent her home country in the Olympics one day. She graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology with a degree in Architecture and a Masters in Infrastructure Planning. Pregowska becomes the first volleyball player to join Team Gaspari.

Brian Blue of All Star Sports Academy in Toms River, New Jersey will team with Agnieszka and Gaspari Nutrition for an eight week strength and conditioning body transformation. Blue is the strength and conditioning coach for Team Gaspari athlete Frankie Edgar, and has great knowledge in sport-specific training programs. This program will focus on building explosive power and improving flexibility by utilizing a wide range of plyometrics and technique drills.

“In order to reach the elite level and achieve goals, you must have the motivation, training, and attitude to never give up. With the guidance and support of Gaspari Nutrition and Brian Blue at All-Star Sports Academy, my development as a professional athlete will be taken to the next level, and after the 8 week body transformation, the results with speak for themselves” said Agnieszka.

FairPoint to Sponsor Vermont City Marathon

FairPoint Communications, Inc., a leading provider of advanced communications services in Vermont, will be the official communications provider for the 25^th KeyBank Vermont City Marathon on Sunday, May 26 in Burlington.

In addition to providing broadcast lines for WVMT’s live race day coverage, the Burlington Police Department also turned to FairPoint to provide the advanced communications services required for safety and security.

Burlington’s Vermont City Marathon is the second largest in New England, drawing 8,000 runners and more than 25,000 spectators.

“We knew we could count on FairPoint to get us the technology and support we need on a day with thousands of athletes literally running through the streets of Burlington,” said Peter Delaney , executive director of RunVermont, marathon organizers. “That trust means one less thing to worry about so I can put my complete focus on making it a great and safe day for everyone.”

Mike Smith , FairPoint’s Vermont state president, who is also running the marathon, said the KeyBank Vermont City Marathon is a great event for Burlington.

“FairPoint is proud to be the official communications provider to the marathon and what it means for avid runners, their friends and families and to Burlington.”

Steve Elkington to Endorse Oxford Golf

Golfer Steve Elkington is joining the roster of Oxford Golf sponsored athletes.

Mr. Elkington will wear Oxford Golf apparel during the remainder of 2013 at all Champions Tour and media events.

“Oxford Golf is the perfect fit for me to wear during my inaugural year on the Champions Tour,” said Steve Elkington , “Oxford Golf apparel offers me the classic style I appreciate, in performance fabrics that enhance my game.”

A 10 time PGA Tour winner, Steve brings an impressive resume with him to the Oxford Golf team, including two PLAYERS and one PGA Championship win. In 2013, Mr. Elkington joins the Champions Tour, and will travel the country in his tour bus nicknamed “the Big Show.” Oxford Golf will be a featured sponsor on the Big Show along with other Elkington partners including Insperity, World Golf Tour, Grieve Family Winery and Par West Custom Golf Shoes.

“Steve Elkington is a great player to represent Oxford Golf on the Champions Tour,” says Dave Leveille , President of Oxford Golf, “With Steve’s legendary silky swing, we are confident he will have continued success in this new chapter in his career.”

Additional Oxford Golf ambassadors include PGA tour players David Toms , Ted Potter, Jr. , and Nicholas Thompson . Oxford Golf also represents newer talent on the Web.com Tour including John Peterson , Andrew Loupe and Mark Silvers, III. On the LPGA Tour, Oxford Golf is represented by Austin Ernst . A full list of Oxford Golf Ambassadors can be found in the Tour Players section of the Oxford Golf website.

AIG Becomes Major Partner of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 has apointed American International Group, drug Inc. (AIG), erectile the world’s leading insurance brand, abortion as their official global insurance partner for the Moscow event on June 28-30.

The partnership reflects Rugby’s continued commercial appeal and is a clear indication of AIG’s growing commitment to Rugby and, more specifically, a sport that continues to experience growth in key emerging markets such as Asia which has grown in participation by 18 per cent since the Olympic decision in 2009, Africa by 33 per cent and South America by 22 per cent as global participation has reached the 5.5 million mark.

Daniel Glantz, Global Head of Sponsorship at AIG, said: “At AIG, we know how important teamwork is to success. AIG serves customers in more than 130 countries around the world and our employees rely on each other’s passion, skills and support to overcome obstacles and get the job done. Rugby, and more specifically Sevens, is a sport that we believe mirrors our key objectives and work ethic and we are delighted to be involved in one of the premier and most exciting Rugby competitions across the globe.”

“We are firmly committed to supporting Rugby and are truly excited about working with the IRB in Moscow to help bring to life the biggest tournament of 2013.”

Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “The appointment of one of the world’s biggest and most recognisable global brands as a partner of Rugby World Cup Sevens is a strong endorsement of Rugby’s continued commercial appeal and the strength of the Rugby World Cup Sevens brand as we continue to drive towards our Olympic Games debut at Rio in 2016.”

“AIG has a close alignment with Rugby as a growth sport in key markets and we look forward to working with AIG to ensure that it extracts the maximum benefits from their association with one of the most vibrant and entertaining sports.”

Rugby Union of Russia President Vyacheslav Kopiev added: “It is fantastic to have a major global brand on board. AIG will find itself part of this event in Moscow this year but its involvement will only help strengthen our own resolve to become a major player in the world of Rugby and help us further develop the grassroots of the Game in Russia. This is a hugely exciting moment for all of us working across the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013.”

Mike Vandrau, Head of Sales at Essentially, official commercial agency to Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013, added: “AIG is one of the biggest and well-respected brands in the world and it is a real pleasure to welcome it to the family of partners for this year’s Rugby World Cup Sevens. Given the global media values achieved in Dubai (2009) of more than 379 hours live coverage, we are supremely confident that Moscow will help AIG achieve the key global visibility it is looking for across its key and emerging markets.”

Robinson Property Named Official Real Estate Partner of the Newcastle Knights

The Newcastle Knights have announced a new sponsorship deal with leading local real estate agency Robinson Property.

Robinson Property become the Official Real Estate Partner of the Newcastle Knights for the remainder of the 2013 season and 2014.

The sponsorship includes unique benefits such as the exclusive right of becoming the Clubs preferred real estate partner for buying, selling and renting and also the opportunity for Robinson Property to host an annual property investment seminar for Knights players, coaches and staff.

“It is great for the Knights to secure another locally owned business and a well recognised brand throughout the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Port Stephen regions,” CEO Matt Gidley said.

“We are also grateful for their support regarding the club’s real estate requirements.”

Robinson Property look forward to officially joining the Knights.

“Robinson Property are excited to partner the Knights for 2013 and 2014,” Robinson Property General Manager Matt Waddell said.

“We see our brands being well aligned as we both have top performers and work hard to get results.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our real estate expertise to the Club and its supporters in way of sales and property management and we are sure it will be a long term partnership.”

Robinson Property becomes the Newcastle Knights’ fourth new sponsor since the commencement of the NRL season, after securing Rydges North Sydney, Hunter TAFE and the Sunnyside Tavern to their formidable sponsor portfolio.

Cricket Australia Renew Commonwealth Bank Sponsorship

Cricket Australia has extended its partnership with Commonwealth Bank with the Australian financial institute becoming the Test team and Test Series partner for the next four Australian seasons, cialis beginning with this summer’s Commonwealth Bank Ashes Series in Australia.

They will continue their support of the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars women’s team which is ranked as number one women’s Test, prostate ODI and T20 side in the world.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said: “Commonwealth Bank is Cricket Australia’s longest-standing sponsor and we are absolutely delighted that this rare opportunity has come up to have them come on board as our Test cricket sponsor.”

“We have had a wonderful relationship for over 26 years with the Commonwealth Bank and they have partnered with us on ODIs for the past seven seasons. Their support extends right across the sport and deep into cricket.

“They are an iconic Australian brand that is synonymous with cricket in Australia and the sponsorship of the Test format is a natural fit. We are pleased to have them extend their support of cricket, especially leading into an all-important Ashes year.”

Commonwealth Bank CEO, Ian Narev said: “Over the last 26 years we have been involved with Australia’s favourite sport from grassroots to grandstands. Test Cricket is the pinnacle of Australian Cricket, so we are proud to strengthen our commitment to the game by becoming the new sponsor of the Australian Test Team and Test Series. We will, of course, continue our support of the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars team, the Australian Country Cricket Championships, the Imparja Cup, as well as grassroots cricket throughout Australia.”

“We look forward to being involved with a format of the game which has such a long and proud history. The forthcoming back-to-back Ashes Series will be a particularly exciting time. I wish Michael Clarke, Jodie Fields and their teams every success for their upcoming UK tours and then the home Ashes.”

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Ironman’s Timothy O’Donnell to Endorse BIO Power

Multiple Energy Technologies, the maker of BIO Power technology, has announced that IRONMAN competitor Timothy O’Donnell has partnered with BIO Power as a brand ambassador.

The announcement comes as O’Donnell is preparing for his debut at IRONMAN Brasil in Florianopolis on the Island of Santa Catarina. The long-distance champion has integrated the BIO Power Band into his rigorous training regimen to help him recover and also fuel his workouts.

“Preparing for an IRONMAN requires intense, long duration training sessions. Whether it’s running, biking or swimming, I need to recover fast so I’m ready for the next challenge,” O’Donnell said. “The results of BIO Power speak for themselves. The fact that my BIO Power Band has made the transition from training to everyday gear speaks volumes to me.”

O’Donnell attended the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland, where he led the Triathlon Team to two U.S. National Triathlon Championship titles. He later won the 2003 U.S. Under-23 National Championships and multiple Armed Forces Triathlon Championships. He also earned spots on the U.S. National Team and World Championships Team in both 2007 and 2008.

Also in 2008, O’Donnell placed sixth at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Timothy’s latest victories include being named the 2009 ITU Long Distance World Champion, the 2010 and 2012 IRONMAN 70.3 U.S. Pro Champion, as well as the 2011 IRONMAN U.S. Pro Champion.

“BIO Power is proud to support Timothy’s efforts as he looks toward IRONMAN Brasil and beyond to the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona,” said Steven Midttun, president of Multiple Energy Technologies. “Timothy trains hard and competes against some of the greatest athletes in the world. We’re honored that BIO Power is part of his winning strategy.”

Mastervolt Joins Oracle Team USA as Technical Supplier for America’s Cup

The Actuant Electrical’s Mastervolt brand, illness the global leader in marine electrical power products and systems, has been chosen as a Technical Supplier to Oracle Team USA, 34th America’s Cup Defender.

“It is important for us to work with companies that understand our needs, offer high quality products and knowledgeable technical support,” said Chris Sitzenstock, Shore and Build Team Project Manager for Oracle Team USA. “Mastervolt has collaborated with us throughout the design process, offering products that work well in our applications, and they stand by their products.”

A wide variety of Mastervolt products including battery chargers, inverters and batteries are fitted on the two chase boats built by Naiad Inflatable Boats. In addition, the Mastervolt lithium-ion battery is used during training on Oracle Team USA’s AC72 vessel.

“Mastervolt has a deep commitment to the world of sailing. Our products are designed for performance and durability in that competitive environment,” said G.R. Schrotenboer, Commercial Leader of the Marine & Mobile group. “We are proud to work with Oracle Team USA, outfitting their boats as they defend the oldest trophy in international sport, the America’s Cup.”

Herbalife Extend Deal as Official Nutrition Advisor to Youth Soccer Organization

Global nutrition company, Herbalife, has announced that it will continue as Official Nutrition Advisor to the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).

This one year agreement continues a relationship with the country’s leading youth soccer organization that started in 2008.

The agreement will see Herbalife continue to provide nutrition information and training to AYSO parents, players and volunteers through AYSO newsletters, websites and specific online tools that are being developed by Herbalife specifically with and for AYSO.

“We are extremely proud of the continuing relationship we have with AYSO and what we are doing together to highlight and educate children about the importance of a healthy, active life,” said Ibi Fleming, Herbalife senior vice president and managing director, North America region.

“The relationship with Herbalife has been a key part of our strategy in helping children and their parents understand the importance of healthy choices. We’re excited to be able to build on all that we have achieved with Herbalife,” said Lynn Berling-Manuel, AYSO Chief Marketing Officer.

AYSO was started in Los Angeles in 1964 with nine teams. Today, the organization has more than 50,000 teams and over 500,000 players.

This agreement is part of Herbalife’s broader sponsorship program aimed at promoting healthy and active lifestyles. AYSO joins more than 100 other Herbalife-sponsored athletes, teams and events, such as the LA Galaxy soccer team and Herbalife Triathlon Los Angeles.