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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.

Champagne Bollinger Named Champagne of Choice at Ascot

Champagne Bollinger has been named The Champagne of Choice at Ascot Racecourse, pills home of the Royal Meeting.

The range of Bollinger Champagnes will be available at three exclusive Bollinger Bars located within the Royal Enclosure for the duration of Royal Ascot this June and at one permanent bar throughout the year.

Bollinger will also be the only Champagne served to official guests of the Ascot Authority on racedays.

Over the past 300 years, thumb Ascot has established itself as a national institution; with Royal Ascot becoming the centrepiece of the British social calendar and the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world.

In a statement Ascot, help said: “As well as being poured at Royal Ascot restaurants and bars, Bollinger Champagnes will be listed on private box menus and as part of the package within the Parade Ring Restaurant for the duration of Royal Ascot. For the ultimate Bollinger luncheon, guests within the Royal Enclosure can enjoy a Bollinger Champagne lunch, with cuvees from the Bollinger range paired with a selection of exquisite food from Ascot’s fine dining restaurants, whilst enjoying spectacular views across the track and beyond.”

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Michigan National Guard to Sponsor Nascar Race at Michigan International Speedway

The Michigan National Guard has extended its partnership with Michigan International Speedway to include the sponsorship of the August 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCTWS) race, prostate the Michigan National Guard 200.

“We are excited to announce the Michigan National Guard as sponsor of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at MIS in August,” track President Roger Curtis said. “It provides a great opportunity for the Michigan National Guard to spread its message and communicate with its target audience. We look forward to continuing our long-term support of the military.”

While the Michigan National Guard has always had a presence at the races, this marks the first time the organization has sponsored a race.

As the title sponsor, it allows the Michigan National Guard the opportunity to market its brand to its target audience through television, radio and print mediums on a state and nationwide basis. It also gives the organization access to a tremendous social media network already built by MIS and NASCAR.

“Our partnership with Michigan International Speedway connects many of our troops to a sport they really enjoy while also providing us a venue to show the public what the Michigan National Guard is all about,” said Maj. Gen. Gregory Vadnais, Michigan adjutant general. “Michigan is the automotive capital of the world and it only makes sense that our Guard members are at the forefront of such a spectacular event.”

The partnership will allow the Michigan National Guard to connect with the citizens of Michigan and potential recruits through NASCAR. The two share the same values of teamwork and competing to be the best, making for a natural partnership.

The Michigan National Guard will also continue to partner with Michigan International Speedway for race activities at all of the events held at MIS in 2013.
MIS continues its long-time support of military initiatives through various ticket programs and support throughout the year.

Jade Jones Gambles with New Backer Cashino Gaming

London 2012 Olympic gold medallist, Jade Jones has secured a new backer with Cashino Gaming, the adult gaming centre company sponsoring the Taekwondo star.

At the beginning of 2013, Cashino Gaming appointed Catch Sport Ltd to find an athlete to support on the Road to Rio. The two organisations worked together to develop a brief and then Catch Sport Ltd set about finding a number of athletes to for Cashino to choose from. Once the decision to support Jade was made Catch Sport Ltd drafted the contracts and liaised with Jones’s management company Definitive Sports Management.

Phil Gibbs, Marketing Manager at Cashino Gaming, said: “We are very happy to be working with Jade Jones. Having an Olympic gold medalist on our team is very exciting and has created a real buzz around the company. Her performance last year was inspirational and we look forward to helping her and watching her progress on the Road to Rio.”

Speaking about how the deal was put together he added, “We chose to work with Catch Sport at an early stage. After our initial conversations they assisted us in putting together a brief to find the right athlete to fit our business and then find that athlete. They went on to assist us in our negotiations with Jade’s agent and provided a contract that gave us all the assurance that there would be no conflicts in the future. I would recommend their services to anyone looking to find an athlete to sponsor or make an appearance.”

Speaking about the support that Cashino Gaming are providing, Jones added, ‘I am very much looking forward to working with Cashino Gaming over the next few years. Their support will go a very long way in helping me to achieve my goal of winning in Rio 2016.’

The sponsorship deal will run through to after the Olympic Games in 2016 and the additional financial support will allow Jones to maximise her chances of qualifying and defending her Olympic title.

Speaking on behalf of Definitive Sports Management, Jamie Baulch said, ‘It has been a pleasure working with Catch Sport. They are very professional outfit that bridge the gap between sport and business and makes the process a whole lot easier. We look forward to working with Jade and Cashino to maximise the partnership for both parties.”

Catch Sport’s MD, Karim Bashir, was delighted about his company bringing the athlete and sponsor together saying, “It is always very rewarding to match an athlete and a sponsor. It was extremely pleasing that Cashino Gaming were inspired to sponsor an athlete having witnessed the “feel-good-factor” of last summer’s London Games. If we can continue to contribute in a small way to helping athletes and sponsors on their journey to the next Games then I will be very happy.”

Zaxby Named Official Chicken of College Sports

Zaxby’s has announced it is “The Official Chicken of College Sports” and has collective intellectual property rights at 25 Division I colleges through a two-year deal with their football and basketball teams.

The initiative gives Zaxby’s, therapy a Southeast favorite for chicken fingers and wings, order the opportunity to gain valuable exposure among the 173 million Americans who identify themselves as college sports fans and represents the brand’s largest sports sponsorship to date.

“Being The Official Chicken of College Sports is a monumental partnership that allows us to support the colleges and towns that have continued to support us,” said Zach McLeroy, CEO and cofounder of Zaxby’s. “We opened our very first Zaxby’s in a college town and today, we have nearly 600 locations. I can’t think of a better association to have than one that keeps us true to our roots and links us with fine college sports teams across our footprint.”

As part of the new sponsorship, the restaurant developed a special collective logo featuring the 25 partnering colleges designed to identify Zaxby’s as “The Official Chicken of College Sports.” Zaxby’s will be integrated into football and basketball games at each of the participating schools with broadcast radio spots and special in-venue videoboard programming features such as the “Zaxby’s Sack Cam” and “Zaxby’s Dunk Cam,” as well as online ad placement on each school’s athletic website.

“We are proud of Zaxby’s recognizing the power of college sports to drive its business with these premier schools,” said Jeff Huffman, vice president regional sales/Southeast, IMG College. “This sponsorship represents a significant commitment to college sports, and the participating schools are eager to partner with Zaxby’s in helping build its brand.”

The new college sports sponsorship, brokered by IMG College, the nation’s leading collegiate marketing agency, includes schools across every state where Zaxby’s is located, representing six major athletic conferences in the South, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest:

Southeastern Conference:
University of Alabama
University of Arkansas
Auburn University
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Kentucky
Louisiana State University
University of Mississippi
University of South Carolina
University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University

Atlantic Coast Conference:
Duke University
Florida State University
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Virginia
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Big 12 Conference:
Baylor University

Big Ten Conference:
Indiana University of Bloomington
Purdue University

Sun Belt Conference:
Arkansas State University
Western Kentucky University

Conference USA:
University of Houston
University of Southern Mississippi
Tulane University