US Athlete Lolo Jones Extends ASICS America Endorsement Deal

ASICS America has announced it has re-signed two-time 60-meter hurdles indoor World Champion Lolo Jones to an endorsement deal.

She is the first woman ever to claim back-to-back World Indoor titles in the 60-meter hurdles while setting an American record in the process. Jones explosive speed and power on the track has earned her a spot as a brakeman on the U.S. national bobsled team, drugs recently winning a gold medal in the mixed team event at the 2013 World Championships. At the 2012 London Olympics, cialis Jones placed fourth in the 100-meter hurdles.

“I’m delighted to extend my relationship with ASICS for both my track and field and bobsledding endeavors,” said Jones. “The quality of ASICS shoes, apparel and accessories is world-class. I feel I’m in excellent hands with ASICS as they share my passion for competition and continuous improvement.”

Looking ahead, Jones intends to return to the track this spring in the 100-meter hurdles and bobsled next fall. Next up on her race schedule is Drake Relays April 24-28, 2013 in her hometown of Des Moines, Iowa.

“Lolo’s ability to triumph and expand her athleticism into a new sport embodies the ASICS spirit of ‘pushing the limits of your comfort zone’,” said ASICS Athlete Manager, Annie Adams. “Lolo is a talented and charismatic ambassador for the ASICS brand. We look forward to supporting her, whether she’s flying over hurdles or racing down the bobsled track.”

Yeangder Group Renews Title Sponsorship of Asian Tour Event Until 2015

The Yeangder Group has revealed that they have extended their sponsorship of Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC) on the Asian Tour for a further three years until 2015, unhealthy organisers announced today.

The Yeangder TPC was successfully launched in 2010 and since then, price it has become one of Chinese Taipei’s top tournaments with worthy champions emerging, including reigning Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, local favourite Lu Wei-chih and last year’s winner Gaganjeet Bhullar of India.

The fourth edition of the Yeangder TPC will be staged from September 12 to 15 with a prize fund of US$500,000 and is poised to attract many of the top Asian Tour stars including Lin Wen-tang, who won his sixth Asian Tour title in the Philippines two week ago.

Emmet Hsu, Chairman of the Yeangder Group, said: “On behalf of Yeangder Group, we are delighted to extend our partnership with the Asian Tour which continues to lead the development of professional golf at the highest level in Asia.

“The Yeangder TPC has enjoyed great success since its inauguration in 2010 and we are delighted to see many young Chinese Taipei players taking advantage of this opportunity to play against the best players in Asia.

“We share the same goals ad the Asian Tour, which is to enhance the standard of golf in the region and across Asia and we hope to foster this relationship and create future champions in the game.

“It is also our vision that our flagship tournament continues to promote Chinese Taipei as a leading golf destination in Asia.”

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han, added: “On behalf of the Asian Tour and our talented players, we are delighted to extend our partnership with Yeangder Group. Emmet Hsu and his team are very committed towards the development of professional golf and their continued sponsorship will continue to enhance and grow the Asian Tour in the years to come.”

“Since the inauguration of the Asian Tour as a players’ organisation in 2004, we have celebrated many wonderful champions from Chinese Taipei including the likes of Lin Keng-chi, Wang Ter-chang, Lu Wen-teh, Lin Wen-tang and Lu Wei-chih.

“It is our belief that we will continue to provide the platform to unearth more champions from Chinese Taipei and across Asia through the staging of the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship, which has become one of the most popular tournaments on our Schedule every year.”

Middlesex Cricket Reveals Private White as Official Suit Supplier

Middlesex County Cricket Club has annunced that luxury British menswear manufacturer, Private White VC, have become the club’s Official Suit Supplier for the 2013 season.

Middlesex and Private White VC’s new agreement sees the Manchester based company providing bespoke tailored garments to the entire Middlesex playing squad, as well as to the backroom support staff and professional coaching team.

All garments have been handcrafted in Private White VC’s factory in Manchester, using only the finest regionally sourced British fabrics and materials.

The blazer is made 100% British virgin wool, woven locally, before being hand-cut, hand-sewn and hand-finished by local craftsmen in Private White VC’s Salford based factory. The chinos, made from 100% cotton fabric, also sourced from within the UK; boast the finest military grade copper zip, from RIRI in Switzerland.

Middlesex County Cricket Club’s Chief Executive, Vinny Codrington commented: “When we’ve got a pace bowler in our squad who towers at 6 feet 8 inches tall, and then in stark contrast, some members of our backroom staff who are closer to five feet tall, the fitters and tailors at Private White VC have most certainly had their work cut out in fulfilling our order.

“Irrespective of our varying sizes and shapes, Private White VC has managed to deliver the garments within a pretty tight deadline, and to a level of quality that really is second to none.

“We are delighted with the finished Middlesex CCC branded garments, and the squad are not only now looking to do the business out in the middle, but they are also looking the part off it too.

“Our thanks go to all at Private White VC for all their work to date and we look forward to enjoying the coming year with them on board as one the club’s official partners.”

Private White CEO, James Eden, added: “Private White VC is immensely proud to be supplying the staff and players of Middlesex County Cricket Club with limited edition clothing for the season ahead.

“We are delighted to have become the Official Suit Provider for Middlesex CCC and with both organisations sharing many of the same brand values, such as quality, attention to detail, heritage and integrity, we feel that our official partnership status with Middlesex is an ideal brand fit for us here at Private White VC.”

Maria Sharapova Agrees Endorsement Deal with Porsche

Tennis superstar, Maria Sharapova has become the ambassador for sports car manufacturer, Porsche AG.

The cooperation is initially signed for three years and involves a global communications campaign. The athlete is already very familiar with the vehicles from Zuffenhausen: As last year´s winner of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Sharapova not only took home prize money, but also a white 911 Carrera S Cabriolet.

Born in Russia and living in the United States, Sharapova has achieved victories at all four Grand Slam tournaments in women’s tennis and she was ranked number 1 for a total of 21 weeks.

“Maria Sharapova is an exceptional athlete. She combines top performance in her sports with elegance and power. These are precisely the qualities that are embroiled in our sports cars”, as Matthias Mueller, CEO of Porsche AG, explained in today’s introduction of the partnership. According to Mueller it was not easy to find the right person to be Porsche´s ambassador. “Maria Sharapova is the perfect choice. Her profile and charisma are an ideal fit for Porsche. She is also highly respected around the world and enjoys an outstanding reputation.”

Maria Sharapova did not really have to think twice: “This is a really special day for me. I have had the privilege to be associated with some of the best brands in the world, but now to be partners with Porsche, is such an amazing honor”, she explained during her presentation in Stuttgart.

For Porsche, the choice of Maria Sharapova as brand ambassador extends its longterm commitment to women´s tennis. The company sponsors the German women’s national team, which competes as the Porsche Team Germany in the Fed Cup, and the Porsche Talent Team Germany, which supports promising young players. “We are fully committed to these activities for a long term. And with Maria Sharapova, we are now extending our involvement in women’s tennis globally”, Mueller added.

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Heinz BIG Sponsors Conference Youth Leagues

Heinz BIG, cheap Official Partner of Super League, is set to continue to support Rugby League in 2013 through sponsorship of the Under-16 and Under-18 sections of the Yorkshire Junior and North West Youth Leagues.

As part of the agreement Heinz BIG will be supplying all competing clubs with equipment and post-match food during the 2013 season.

RFL Director of Participation David Gent said: “I am delighted that Heinz BIG are on board as title sponsors of the Conference Youth Leagues.

“The competitions continue to go from strength to strength and feature the best Rugby League in these age groups anywhere in the country. It is fantastic to see such a well-known brand as Heinz BIG supporting Rugby League in England, both in the professional game and in the search for the stars of tomorrow.”

Chris Isaac, Brand Manager – Heinz BIG Soup, said: “We are extremely excited to be title sponsor of the Heinz BIG Conference Youth Leagues for another season. Sponsoring the leagues provides us with a great opportunity to nurture and support the development of some of the best Rugby League talent at Under-16 and Under-18 level, whilst filling them up with Heinz BIG post-match teas! I look forward to seeing some great fixtures this season in the fight for a place in the Grand Finals.”

This year the restructured leagues will feature 113 teams across both age groups and regions during an exciting season which will culminate in a title-deciding Grand Finals day in October.

Gwen Jorgensen Becomes ASICS America Ambassador

ASICS America has announced the addition of Olympic Triathlete, Gwen Jorgensen, to its roster of elite athletes.

Renowned for being one of the world’s leading high performance footwear and apparel brands, ASICS will support Jorgensen as she continues her career as one of the fiercest female triathletes of her generation. The relationship was kicked off this past weekend with Gwen’s win at the 2013 Omegawave World Triathlon San Diego. Gwen completed the course in 01:59:59, to earn her third World Triathlon Series win and the first USA Triathlon Elite National Championships title of her career.

Less than two years after completing her first competitive triathlon, Gwen placed second in the ITU World Championship Series, the best finish by an American woman in the history of the event at the time, and claimed the first female spot on the 2012 United States Olympic Triathlon Team. Her sights are already set on qualifying for her second Olympic Team and representing the United States at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

“I am thrilled to join the ASICS team and look forward to the support from such an esteemed brand,” Jorgensen commented. “ASICS has such a wide range of quality products, so it was an easy decision for me to partner with them. This relationship will play a major role in my career and I look forward to what lies ahead.”

ASICS was honored to lend support to Gwen this past weekend in the 2013 Omegawave World Triathlon San Diego, who competed in the ASICS GEL-Lyte33™.

“Gwen is a phenomenal, world class athlete, and we admire her drive and dedication,” says ASICS Athlete Manager, Annie Adams. “She has a determination that reflects ASICS’ own ambition, and we are honored to have such a rising star join our stellar roster of triathletes. We congratulate Gwen on her win this past weekend and look forward to supporting her in all of her future endeavors.”

LPGA Golfer Paola Moreno Inks Endorsement Deal with Herbalife

Herbalife has announced that it will become official nutrition sponsor of Colombian LPGA golfer, ailment Paola Moreno.

Moreno becomes the second Colombian to compete on the LPGA Tour after finishing second on the 2012 Symetra Tour. Herbalife will work with 27-year old Moreno to develop the right nutrition program for her and provide her with all her sports nutrition products as she competes around the world.

“I feel very privileged to be playing on the LPGA Tour and am focused on winning tournaments. Nutrition is a key part of my overall preparation and I am excited to be working with Herbalife to ensure I get the very best products and support, try ” said Moreno.

This agreement is part of Herbalife’s broader sponsorship program aimed at promoting healthy and active lifestyles. Moreno joins more than 100 other Herbalife-sponsored athletes, such as the world’s best soccer player, Leo Messi; international cricketer, Virat Kohli; and triathlon champion, Heather Jackson.

McDonald’s and Pitt Athletics Extend Partnership by Three Years

McDonald’s has signed a new three-year deal with Pitt Athletics that includes signage, radio, game day and social media advertising, logo usage and promotional opportunities.

The fast food restaurant will have the ability to integrate its national and regional media campaign while developing specific activation campaigns directed to students and its vast fan base.

“We are pleased to have McDonald’s continue supporting our student-athletes as we head into a new era in Pitt Athletics. The McDonald’s brand is superb and we’re looking forward to continuing our relationship,” said Pitt Athletic Director Steve Pederson.

“Pitt students and other Panther fans have always been a large and loyal audience for McDonald’s,” said Marsha Gavula, Vice President and Group Media Director of Stern Advertising, the firm that oversees the Golden Arches’ marketing communications efforts across the tri-state area.

“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with this winning organization.”

Virgin Money Extends Title Sponsorship of London Marathon

The London Marathon announced a five-year extension to its sponsorship deal with Virgin Money today, and revealed a new race logo and title for 2014.

Virgin Money, the banking division of the Virgin Group of companies, will continue as London Marathon sponsor until at least 2017, while the race will change its name from the Virgin London Marathon to the Virgin Money London Marathon from next year.

Virgin Money first became the title sponsor of the event in 2010 with the aim of helping runners raise £250 million for charity over five years. In the first three years of Virgin Money sponsorship, runners raised more than £150m. In 2012 a recordbreaking £52.8m was raised, of which more than £17.8m was raised through the Virgin Money Giving not-for-profit online fundraising service.

London Marathon race director Hugh Brasher welcomed the new deal: “We are delighted to have Virgin Money as our race sponsors for another five years,” he said. “The event has gone from strength to strength since the first Virgin London Marathon in 2010. We have had some of the greatest fields in the history of marathon running and seen some of the best races in 33 years of the London Marathon.

“In addition, our runners have continued to raise more and more money for charity, many of them using Virgin Money Giving, and the Marathon itself continues to break all records for charity fundraising.

“We are convinced our partnership with Virgin Money will help to confirm our status as the world’s number one marathon.”

Jayne-Anne Gadhia, chief executive of Virgin Money said: “I am delighted to announce the extension of Virgin Money’s London Marathon sponsorship. It is such an epic and inspirational day and holds the record as the world’s biggest annual fundraising event.

“We launched Virgin Money Giving in 2009 as it has always been our ambition to support the runners in their attempts to raise even greater amounts of money for good causes.”

HDI Group Gets Hannover 96 Stadium Naming Rights

HDI Group has announed they have secured the naming rights of Hannover 96’s stadium.

A seven-year contract between Hannover 96 and the HDI Group has been agreed, with the option for an additional three years.

Along with the takeover of naming rights, the contract also outlines an extension of the existing exclusive, five-year partnership with the insurance company. The naming rights are for the entire stadium. It will be called the “HDI-Arena”. The advertising boards that were already in place as part of the existing relationship will remain. The new collaboration will also result in multiple activation opportunities such as promotions in the stadium and PR events.

“HDI-Arena sounds terrific and is catchy. I’m delighted with the new contract for the naming rights of our modern and beautiful stadium. HDI have been a very dependable and important partner for Hannover 96 for years,” said the pleased 96-president Martin Kind about the new partnership. “HDI are a big employer from Hanover and a successful company that hold regional responsibilities close at heart. We’re looking forward to enjoying many successful home matches with a great atmosphere in the HDI-Arena, as well as attractive concerts and events.”

The HDI-chairman Herbert Haas added: “As the naming-right holders for 96’s stadium, we’re furthering the brand in our group for which sponsorship makes the most sense – and that is HDI as our biggest brand for private and corporate business, both nationally and internationally. Sponsoring at the top level of football is an ideal platform for us because so many people are so enthusiastic about it.”

“We are delighted to be such a prominent partner at Hannover 96,” explained Dr. Christian Hinsch. “Hannover 96 offer us exactly the right mix of dynamism and tradition that we look for in our own work. HDI and 96 is the joining of two experienced and successful, traditional teams that boast over 100 years of history and share international ambitions. I think it’s an ideal partnership.”