Golf Care Grabs Title Sponsorship Rights for Matchplay Championship

The Matchplay Championship, Uk’s biggest amateur golf event, has been renamed the Golf Care Matchplay Championship after Golf Care, the UK’s #1 specialist golf insurance brand, became its new title sponsor.

The inaugural Golf Care Matchplay Championship will culminate next month with a Dubai Grand Final and looks set to be the best in tournament history, with competitors staying in the stunning 5-star JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel and competing over the world-renowned championship course at The Els Club. The partnership will be a natural fit between the UK’s leading golf insurer and the country’s biggest golf event.

“We’re delighted to announce this partnership between two brands that share the ethos of delivering first-class customer service and unbeatable value for money. Golf Care and the Matchplay Championship both celebrate their tenth anniversary this year, so this is a partnership that makes perfect sense in what is a special year for both brands!” noted Colin Whitehead, Event Organiser, Golf Care Matchplay Championship. “We work extensively to deliver value to our partners and have shared mutually beneficial relationships with the likes of Marriott for the last six years, as well as The Els Club for three years. We look forward to a similar long-term affiliation with our new title sponsor, Golf Care.”

Golf Care has seen tremendous growth over the last ten years, as more and more golfers are realising the importance of being appropriately protected against any eventuality on the golf course. The brand is represented by 3-time Ryder Cup Captain Bernard Gallacher and having played in 8 Ryder Cup matches, Gallacher is ideally positioned to offer advice on a match play tournament.

“This is great news; I’m thrilled that Golf Care has decided to back such a fantastic event. It’s a unique tournament that welcomes players of all ability and any event that encourages people to get out and play competitive golf can only be a good thing for our sport,” commented Golf Care ambassador, Bernard Gallacher. “I’ve had some of the most memorable moments of my career in match play competition, especially during the Ryder Cup, so I’m looking forward to watching the action unfold later this year. It’s a phenomenal prize for just a £30 entry fee, regardless of what standard you play at.”

NEC Becomes Title Sponsor of PGA TOUR Latinoamérica

The PGA TOUR announced today through NEC Latin America that NEC Corporation is expanding its presence on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica beyond its current tournament sponsorship by becoming the umbrella sponsor of the entire 15-event Tour.

The sponsorship takes effect immediately and features a renaming of the Tour to NEC Series – PGA TOUR Latinoamérica. NEC is currently the title sponsor of the Roberto De Vicenzo Invitational being played this week at the Club de Golf Uruguay.

As part of the agreement, sale NEC will receive branding in the Tour logo as well as on-site at tournaments and on-line. The company also may host important business clients at PGA TOUR Latinoamérica events.

“We are extremely pleased to announce this landmark sponsorship for the Tour and to welcome NEC as an umbrella sponsor of PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, order ” said Jack Warfield, discount President of NEC Series – PGA TOUR Latinoamérica. “We look forward to working with our partners at NEC to maximize its presence on the Tour as we continue to build the PGA TOUR’s presence throughout Latin America.”

NEC sponsored the PGA TOUR’s World Series of Golf at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio for 15 years, through 1998, and then continued its sponsorship of the tournament for seven more years after it transformed into a World Golf Championships event.

“We are very excited to reinforce our presence with the PGA TOUR through PGA TOUR Latinoamérica,” said Carlos Martinangeli, COO& Senior Vice President of NEC Latin America. “As a former World Golf Championships sponsor, NEC well understands the importance and effectiveness of sponsorship for golf tournaments. The NEC Series – PGA TOUR Latinoamérica will expand NEC’s presence in Latin America and beyond.”

Tata Named Official Managed Connectivity Supplier of Mercedes F1

Tata Communications has announced a new partnership with Mercedes AMG Petronas which will see the delivery of world-class trackside connectivity for the team at all Formula One race locations.

With the new partnership, viagra order Tata Communications becomes the ‘Official Managed Connectivity Supplier’ to the team.

Tata Communications, a leading global provider of ‘a new world of communications,’ will work closely with Mercedes AMG Petronas to deliver high-speed, high quality and secure trackside connectivity, enabling the team to transfer vital real-time data from the Silver Arrow cars at any Grand Prix location to its headquarters in the UK, three times faster than at present. The improved trackside connectivity will enable the team to react more quickly to developments at the track and help to increase car performance.

Ross Brawn, Team Principal at Mercedes AMG Petronas commented: “We are delighted to have agreed our new team partnership with Tata Communications. Formula One relies on data and the ability to transfer our data from the track back to our factories in Brackley and Brixworth quickly and securely. The Tata Communications global network will play a key role in the team’s performance and our ability to react over the race weekends. That we will now be able to achieve our data transfer requirements three times faster is fantastic. Having Tata Communications on-site at the race track to work with the team will be a big asset in our demanding and fast-paced environment, and we look forward to developing a close working relationship with them as we strive to achieve our ambitions in Formula One.”

Mehul Kapadia, Managing Director, F1 Business, Tata Communications said: “The modification and improvement of car set-up and handling is a constant during the race season, and being able to share richer data and to report issues back from trackside to the factory in real-time provides a competitive edge in car performance, both in speed and also in handling and stability.

“Providing three times faster connectivity for Mercedes AMG Petronas via Tata Communications’ global network means that the team has access to secure and agile trackside connectivity regardless of race location – it showcases our expertise and speed to lead when it comes to global connectivity, and reinforces our ongoing commitment to technology innovation within Formula One.”

Estrella Galicia to Provide Non-Alcoholic Beer for 2013 MotoGP World Championship

MotoGP commercial rights holder Dorna Sports SL has announced that Spanish brewery Estrella Galicia will be the official provider of non-alcoholic beer for the 2013 World Championship.

Following to this agreement, denture the Estrella Galicia 0, ampoule 0 beer will be sold at the four Spanish GPs taking place this year, with the rounds in Jerez, Catalunya, Aragón and Valencia serving the beer at its regular outlets. Furthermore, in Jerez, Catalunya and Valencia, Estrella Galicia 0,0 will supply a special hospitality.

This beer has a strong affiliation with the MotoGP series, featuring on riders’ leathers throughout two different classes with the likes Dani Pedrosa and Marc Márquez in MotoGP, Alex Rins, leader in the Moto3™ World Championship, as well as his teammate Alex Márquez, endorsing the drink.

Antonio Castelo, Managing Director of Hijos de Rivera said: “This agreement is another step forward in Estrella Galicia 0,0’s commitment within the world of motorcycle racing. We’re the official beer of the Spanish Grand Prix and we are very proud that the results of each race will be toasted in the paddock with our beer.”

Pau Serracanta, Managing Director of Dorna’s Commercial Area, comments: “We are very pleased with this agreement with Estrella Galicia 0,0, which further strengthens its commitment to MotoGP with fans able to enjoy its beverage at all four races taking place in Spain this year. The growth of the Estrella Galicia 0,0 brand within the premier-class racing series over the past years is clear to see, and thanks to its commitment as an official supplier to MotoGP it will expand its image to both the national and international market.”

Famous Brands Secures South Africa Men’s Hockey Team Sponsorship

Famous Brands Limited has revealed a two-year sponsorship of South Africa Men’s Hockey Team.

One of its premium brands Mugg & Bean is partnering with SA Hockey as the new co-sponsor of the SA Men’s Hockey team.

“We are delighted that we have a popular brand like Mugg & Bean on board, troche ” said SA Hockey Association CEO Marissa Langeni.

“We are pleased that this is a two-year commitment which will include the World Cup in 2014. This sponsorship will assist the SA Men’s team in competing in top-class international events and hockey is proud to be associated with the Mugg & Bean brand, arthritis ” the SA Hockey CEO added.

Famous Brands Chief Marketing Officer Derrian Nadauld stated: “This sponsorship deal will bring a new energy to the game and the Mugg & Bean brand is excited to be involved with the National Men’s team.

“Hockey in South Africa has largely been a Cinderella sport, adiposity in desperate need of a sponsor who could give the team the support they so richly deserve. The Mugg & Bean sponsorship of the SA Men’s team is a natural extension of the brands involvement with the sport of Hockey.

“Earlier this year, the brand concluded a five-year sponsorship deal of the Varsity Sports Hockey series, currently running across universities across the country,” the Famous Brands CMO added.

The SA Men’s team are currently ranked 12th in the world and this is the first sponsorship for the team in a number of years.

MosquitoNix to Sponsor HP Byron Nelson Championship

HP Byron Nelson Championship officials and MosquitoNix announced today that MosquitoNix, the nation’s leader in mosquito control and mosquito misting systems, will be the official mosquito control provider of the 2013 HP Byron Nelson Championship.

MosquitoNix will provide players, golf fans and volunteers with mosquito-controlled environments around the hospitality areas on the 14th, 16th, 17th and 18th holes, as well as the Championship Way entrance and the Pavilion. During the 2013 Nelson, each of these areas will receive periodic QuickNix treatments. QuickNix is MosquitoNix’s three-step program that includes fogging, granules and larvicide applications.

“MosquitoNix’s 2013 Nelson sponsorship allows us to present a fun and nuisance-free mosquito-controlled environment for the players, golf fans and volunteers during the Championship week,” said Dan O’Neal, chairman & CEO of FEMO Group Franchise System, MosquitoNix’s parent company. “Providing a fun and bug free outdoor experience is what MosquitoNix is all about. We are proud that our brand is trusted by Salesmanship Club officials to keep their tournament mosquito free.”

Golf fans are encouraged to visit MosquitoNix kiosks during the Championship week, to learn more about mosquito control and MosquitoNix services, and get a pair of promotional sunglasses.

“We share a passion for fun outdoor experiences with MosquitoNix,” said Jon Drago, tournament director. “This sponsorship allows players, golf fans and our volunteers to experience the tournament without worrying about mosquitoes.”

The 2013 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 13-19 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas.

British Tennis Star Heather Watson Joins HSBC as Ambassador

Heather Watson, current British No 2, has joined banking and financial institute, HSBC as ambassador.

She will join former British No 1 Tim Henman, who has been in the role since 2008. The pair will work across HSBC’s Wimbledon activity throughout 2013 and during The Championships themselves (24 June – 7 July 2013). 

Giles Morgan, Group Head of Sponsorship and Events, HSBC Holdings plc, said: “HSBC is proud to be the official banking partner to Wimbledon, one of the most famous sporting events in the world. In our sixth year as a partner to The Championships, we are delighted to welcome Heather Watson on board as an ambassador for HSBC. Heather is an outstanding talent and will bring a vibrant dimension to our Wimbledon campaign.

“We are also thrilled to continue our long standing relationship with Tim, who is an excellent role model for tennis and sport in general. Tim and Heather are an inspiration for the next generation of British tennis and we look forward to working with them to introduce more youngsters to the game.” 

Speaking on her appointment Heather said: “I am really excited about my new partnership with HSBC and looking forward to working with such a global company. It should be a lot of fun and together we will be doing some cool activities that will allow me to interact directly with kids just taking up the game and tennis fans all around the world.” 

Long-standing HSBC ambassador Tim retired from professional tennis in late 2007, but he remains active in the ATP Champions Tour. He said: “I’m delighted to be continuing my partnership with HSBC. I’ve been associated with the bank since I was eight years old playing short tennis and I was extremely fortunate to have HSBC’s support as a professional player. I’m now very proud to be an ambassador for them.” 

Heather and Tim will make a number of personal appearances over the coming months and will front HSBC’s digital campaign presence on The Championships website; Wimbledon.com. 

PrimeSport Renews Deal as Official Fan Travel Partner of Chicago Bears

PrimeSport have extended their partnership with Chicago Bears as official fan travel partner and will provide official fan packages for all of the team’s home and away games this season.

As part of the partnership, medicine PrimeSport will be offering Official Bears Travel Packages for the ultimate loyal fan looking to take their team spirit on the road.  Official Games of the Year Travel Packages for 2013 can includegame tickets, adiposity hotel accommodations, a PrimeSport ticket holder and lanyard, an exclusive fan travel gift souvenir, and much more.  This year’s Bears official fan travel games of the year will be against Washington on Sunday, October 20 and St Louis on Sunday, November 24.

“We are very excited about our 2013 schedule and are anxiously looking forward to the start of football as we try to gain momentum towards a successful 2013,” said Chris Hibbs, Chicago Bears vice president of sales and marketing. “PrimeSport has extensive experience managing fan travel for large sporting events and professional teams like the Chicago Bears, and we are proud to continue our partnership knowing thatPrimeSport will provide our incredible fans safe and reliable packages throughout the season.”

“We have built a reputation in the NFL as a reliable and dependable source for fan and corporate travel, and we look forward to another great season with the Chicago Bears and their amazing fans,” says Sam Soni, President at PrimeSport.  “Leave the planning to us. We can deliver unforgettable and hassle-free experiences that fans and companies will remember for a lifetime.”

Ronda Rousey Agrees Endorsement Deal with XYIENCE Xenergy

Ronda Rousey’s star power continues to grow, as the UFC female bantamweight champion has announced a one-year endorsement deal with XYIENCE Xenergy.

In endorsing the enery drink brand Rousey will appear in advertising, on point-of-purchase materials and on the brand’s website. She will also make appearances at beverage trade and consumer events.

“The XYIENCE brand has been a huge part of MMA culture for so many years, so it is really exciting for me to be a part of the team,” Rousey said. “I feel it is important to be aligned with people and brands who believe in what I am trying to achieve. Because of its long history in the sport, XYIENCE understands the significance of this moment in time for women in MMA. I’m honored to be a part of the XYIENCE brand.”

“Ronda’s excellence in athletic performance is only part of what makes her a huge inspiration to athletes and fans,” explains John Lennon, XYIENCE’s president. “She is a fearless agent of change within MMA, whose passion for her sport and dedication to achieving her goals embodies the spirit of our brand’s philosophy: Power to Win. We are proud to be associated with such a talented and articulate athlete.”

Rousey will coach on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter against Cat Zingano, while the two are expected to face each other later this year.

British Basketball League Inks Spalding Apparel Deal

With the BBL Play Off Final due to take place in front of a sell out crowd at Wembley Arena this Sunday, the British Basketball League has announced Spalding have signed a deal to be the official apparel provider to the BBL for the next five years. 

This exciting long-term commitment will begin at the start of the 2013-14 season when, all BBL clubs will play in Spalding apparel. 

BBL Chairman Paul Blake underlined the significance of the arrangement by explaining, 

“This kind of extensive deal with an established company like Spalding is just the latest in a long line of exciting developments for BBL and one more reason to be satisfied that we continue to move in the right direction – and with real purpose. 

“With like for like ticket sales across the league now up by around 20% on last season and set against the backdrop of that fantastic turnout of 7,500 at the BBL Cup Final a couple of months ago, it perpetuates the momentum we now have behind us and continues the upward trend of sustainable growth as a league.” 

He added, “Having all of our member clubs playing in Spalding apparel will re-enforce that professional edge and visually exude the uniformity and collective desire of the clubs and the league to continue developing and enhancing our product for fans.” 

Meanwhile BBL Commercial Director, David Leyden Dunbar, added: “For over 130 years, Spalding has been a leader in innovation and quality, a brand synonymous with basketball. 

“We are thrilled to be entering into this long term partnership with a global brand who have clearly demonstrated their commitment to the league and share our plans for the future. 

“Since taking up the post during October of last year, my intention has always been to significantly alter the commercial landscape of the BBL and I’m pleased to confirm that our new partnership with Spalding is just the first in a series of announcements that we’ll be making as momentum builds towards the start of the new season in September.” 

Paul Sherratt is Spalding Country Manager for UK & Ireland and was just as pleased with the deal and added, “We are delighted in announcing another step towards increased brand penetration within the UK basketball marketplace for Spalding and for the BBL to join our extensive roster of leagues and teams around Europe wearing our apparel.”