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.

adidas have replaced Kappa as Fulham FC’s official technical kit supplier.

Fulham join an exclusive list of clubs who benefit from a partnership with adidas, including Real Madrid, AC Milan and Bayern Munich, as well as several other Barclays Premier League teams.

Fulham CEO Alistair Mackintosh said: “adidas has a fantastic football heritage and tradition and I know that we will work well together. The synergy between the two organisations has led to a partnership that promises both brands a platform on which to achieve success.

“We are looking forward to producing a range of products that the fans will be proud to wear and featuring adidas technologies such as ClimaCool and ClimaLite.”

adidas senior Manager Commercial Clubs, Steve Holland, added: “Fulham is a very welcome partner to adidas’ strong portfolio of football clubs both globally and in the UK. We share a successful history together and look forward to an exciting, long and rewarding future partnership.”

Intersport International Corp. GmbH has announced it will become the Official Event Shop of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

Intersport will install dedicated 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Retail Corners in more than 550 stores in over 20 countries and in addition has obtained the right to produce Official Licensed Products.  

Intersport will offer products in the retail corners before and during the event phase. Each retail corner will have a dedicated area for selling the licensed product ranges and products of FIFA Partner adidas. Several Official Event Shops will be set up already for Christmas 2013.

Intersport was the Official Event Shop in Germany for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The FIFA/Intersport co-operation will now be extended for the 2014 FIFA World Cup BrazilTM  to over 20 countries. Intersport will also be the Official Sport Shop of the UEFA EURO 2016 in France.

“We are pleased to be working together with Intersport”, mind said Thierry Weil, FIFA Marketing Director. “Their vast experience in event licensing will be a great support in ensuring that football fans are able to engage with the FIFA World Cup through an excellent range of merchandise which will be available in their stores”. 

Franz Julen, CEO of Intersport International said: “Football is and remains the world’s most famous and popular sport and is a key category of almost every Intersport store. Our involvement in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil is another milestone in helping us to further strengthen Intersport’s position as the world’s biggest football retailer and to further differentiate us from our competitors.”