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.”

AEP Energy Named Official Energy Partner of MLB’s Chicago Cubs

AEP Energy has become the Official Energy Partner of MLB’s Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field.

In addition to being the exclusive supplier of electricity to Wrigley Field, AEP Energy has signage displayed on the outfield wall in left field and is sponsoring electronic signage and announcements during each Cubs pitching change.

“Like every home and business in Chicago, the Cubs look for opportunities to use less energy and spend less on the electricity we use,” said Colin Faulkner, vice president, sales and partnerships, Chicago Cubs. “We are pleased to announce this multi-year partnership with AEP Energy that will allow us to take advantage of competitive electricity prices and help our fans learn more about energy savings.”

“Twenty-five years after historic Wrigley Field first turned on the lights for night games, we want all fans throughout Chicagoland to know they have a choice in who supplies their electricity,” said James Petersen, chief operating officer and president of energy supply for AEP Energy. “We are proud to supply electricity and energy management services to one of the nation’s most admired ballparks.”

Cronulla Sharks Continue Blades Sponsorship Until 2014

Australian National Rugby League team, buy Cronulla Sharks have revealed apparel sponsor Blades has agreed to extend their sponsorship arrangement with the club through until the end of the 2014 season.

Having begun their association with the Sharks at the start of 2011, the one year extension sees Blades on board again as a major partner for what will be their fourth consecutive season.

General Manager Marketing and Commercial at the Sharks Pat Woods, commented on the deal: “Blades are a large, well-respected brand within sport and we are extremely proud to be extending our partnership with them for another year,” Woods said. “Blades have been impressed with the communication we have provided in respect to the recent challenges we have been facing and the continuation of their sponsorship is a show of confidence in the club.”

Bill Spyros, Managing Director of Blades, added: “We have been a partner with the club over a number of years and are pleased to announce we will be extending as a major partner with the Sharks,” Spyros said. “The club has a strong player group and we have been overwhelmed by the supporter base the club has in the Shire and nationally.

“We have every confidence that the club has established a strong platform to build a very successful future.”

Blades decision to extend the arrangement for another season corresponds with spiking apparel purchases during 2013, with merchandise sales up 32 per cent on last year.

“The increased merchandise sales this year were evident and highlighted when the team ran out to a sea of blue, black and white at Sharks stadium during our round one clash against the Titans,” Woods added.

The Sharks are expected to release further news relating to several major sponsorship assets including the announcement of a Stadium Naming Rights partner in the coming weeks.

“We are down to the pointy end of discussions in regards to several key sponsorship assets and hope to have these locked away prior to our next home game” Woods said.

P&G Extend Support to BOA Through Sochi 2014

The British Olympic Association (BOA) today announced that P&G will once again partner with Team GB to support Britain’s Olympic winter athletes in preparation for, bronchi and during, viagra order the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

The ‘nearest and dearest’ programme was successfully implemented for family and friends of Team GB athletes in the lead up to and during the London 2012 Olympics. P&G considers the programme a great fit with its ‘Thank You Mum’ campaign which it launched at the start of its 10 year global partnership with the IOC in 2010.

The Team GB ‘nearest & dearest’ programme, medic presented by P&G, has been designed to help those closest to the athlete understand how they can best support their loved ones in the build up to and during the Games.

As part of their commitment to Great Britain’s Olympic athletes and their families and friends, P&G will be offering each Team GB athlete two tickets, paid for by P&G, to the first session in which they compete at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

During the Winter Olympics, the Programme will provide areas where athletes can meet with their family and friends, as well as on-the-ground support for the family and friends before, during and after their athlete’s competition.

It is anticipated that approximately 100-200 family and friends of athletes will travel to Sochi to watch their nearest and dearest in action.

Irwin Lee, Managing Director of Procter & Gamble UK, said: ”As a company we are delighted to have the opportunity to continue to support the nearest & dearest programme during the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. We recognise how important it is for the athletes to know that their friends and families are supported in this way, so that they can focus on what they do best.  This is our way to keep thanking mums, including those of our Team GB athletes.”

Seb Coe, Chairman of the BOA, added: “It is through the support of P&G that we are able to roll out the nearest & dearest programme for family and friends of athletes aiming to compete at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Russia. This is a programme that really does make a difference – we know that from the feedback we received after the London 2012 Olympics, when the programme was implemented with Team GB for the first time. The Team GB nearest & dearest programme helps maximise support and minimise potential distractions for our athletes so that they can focus on their performance and make the most of the unique opportunity to compete on one of the world’s largest stages – the Olympic Winter Games.

“The fact that every Team GB athlete that competes in 2014 already now knows that they will have two tickets, free of charge to them as provided by P&G, for the first session in which they compete, will certainly give them peace of mind and help family and friends in their planning.”

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Fuji Bikes to Sponsor Cameron Dye for 2013 Season

Fuji Bikes has confirmed its 2013 sponsorship of professional triathlete Cameron Dye.

The American is coming off the best season of his career: 6 wins, medicine 6 top-10s, and the prestigious Race the Toyota Cup series title. In recognition of his outstanding season last year, Dye was named 2012 Non-Olympic/ITU Triathlete of the Year by USA Triathlon (USAT).

For the 2013 season, Dye will race the Norcom Straight – Fuji’s next-generation Tri/TT bike that is launching on 1 May.

“Fuji approached me at the end of last year about switching over (from sister-brand Kestrel) to help them launch their new TT bike, and it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” said Dye. “They’ve proven they can make a great bike in the D-6, and this one’s going to be even better.”

“In just his 6-year career, Cam’s accomplishments are huge,” said Fuji Sponsorship Manager Milay Galvez. “He’s such a strong cyclist, capable of dominating a field on the bike and never looking back. We truly can’t wait to see what he’s going to do on the Norcom Straight.”