Gymnast Shawn Johnson Agrees Varsity Partnership

Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson has agreed a partnership with Varsity.

Johnson will be the newest member of the broadcast team for the National Championships held in Orlando, Florida and Dallas, Texas. She will also be endorsing the OZONE line of gymnastics apparel and helping to develop a new line of leotards.

Varsity, based in Memphis, Tenn., is the leader in cheerleading and dance team education, events and apparel. Their national events have been televised since 1980, and are currently broadcast on ESPN and CBS Sports.

Shawn Johnson was the 2008 Olympic gold medalist in balance beam and the silver medalist in floor exercise, and is also known to millions as the youngest champion of Dancing With The Stars’ eighth season. Johnson’s design flair was seen in many of the costumes that she helped design.

Varsity has had a long relationship with Johnson, and recently hosted a book signing for Johnson’s second book, Winning Balance. “The entire Varsity organization is excited about working with Shawn Johnson, who is not only recognized as an incredible athlete, but also as a great role model for young people in America,” says Jeff Webb, Founder and CEO of Varsity.

Johnson said: “I’ve attended the National High School Cheerleading Championship several times now, and I’m proud to be affiliated with an organization that does so much to foster self-esteem, a love of fitness and positive energy in the young athletes I see there.”

OZONE, which began producing gymnastics wear in 2010, is thrilled to work with Johnson, and knows that her insight will be invaluable to the design team.

“I am so excited to work with OZONE to promote this beautiful line of leotards and gymnastics apparel,” says Johnson. “As a gymnast myself, I know the value of dynamic colors and design, and am confident that the OZONE line will resonate with gymnasts everywhere.”

Mike Martinez, President of OZONE added: “OZONE is thrilled about the partnership with Shawn Johnson. Shawn’s determination and competitiveness mirrors OZONE’s own corporate drive. With Shawn’s insight and knowledge, we will be launching an exclusive collection of products and look forward to having an exciting year.

Herbalife Remain Official Nutrition Partner of Spartak Moscow

Global nutrition brand, Herbalife has announced that it will continue as the Official Nutrition Partner of FC Spartak Moscow for the 2013-2014 Russian Premier League season.

Herbalife has been the official nutrition partner of FC Spartak-Moscow since 2011. The new agreement will see Herbalife specialists continue to work with the club to develop optimal nutrition programs and provide all their sports nutrition products. The company’s logo will continue to feature on the players’ shirts during Russian league matches, at the team’s home stadium, and on all other media.

“We are happy to continue our cooperation with Herbalife, as a recognized global expert in the field of balanced nutrition products,” noted Roman Askhabadze, Director General, FC Spartak-Moscow.

FC Spartak Moscow is one of a number of high profile football teams and players that are using Herbalife products worldwide, including Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona (Spain), the Los Angeles Galaxy (USA), Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine), Reading FC (UK) and others.

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Canberra Raiders Agree Partnership with Sports Nutrition Brand Vitalstrength

National Rugby League’s (NRL) Canberra Raiders have announced a new partnership today with sports nutrition provider Vitalstrength.

Vitalstrength will work closely with the high performance team to ensure all Raiders players receive sports nutrition products to reach individual performance needs. Their extensive range of products includes protein powders, amino acids, performance capsules and bars to maximise training and recovery results.

Vitalstrength Marketing Manager Kain Baker said Vitalstrength is excited about the new partnership with the Raiders and said they are committed to ensuring the Raiders have the highest standards in sports supplements.

“Whilst the 2013 NRL season commenced with significant discussion around sports supplements, Vitalstrength is proud to be providing the Raiders with our trusted, legitimate and 100% compliant sports nutrition brand,” Mr Baker said. “Vitalstrength is an Australian accredited manufacturer and our team have been working closely with the Raiders to ensure players receive the nutrition required for training, recovery and maximum game day performance”.

Raiders Head of Strength and Conditioning Nigel Ashley-Jones said sports nutrition and supplements is a major part of player’s preparation and recovery each week and the club was proud to be associated with Vitalstrength.

“We place a huge emphasis on ensuring our players prepare and recover correctly and this new partnership with Vitalstrength allows us to provide our players with a range of first class products they can trust,” Ashley-Jones said. “The partnership with Vitalstrength allows us to tailor our supplement program to the individual as well as the team, to ensure we’re getting the best out of every player.”

Vitalstrength has a strong reputation as one of Australia’s most trusted sports nutrition brands. With over 16 years’ experience formulating, manufacturing and distributing the highest quality supplements, Vitalstrength is a major player in elite sport.

Pepsi Joins Road America Race Track as Official Soft Drink

Road America and Lakeside Pepsi Cola announced today a five-year partnership that names Lakeside Pepsi Cola as the exclusive provider of carbonated beverages and select non-carbonated beverages served at Road America.

Lakeside Pepsi Cola beverages, including iconic brands such as Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Sierra Mist, plus other beverages such as Gatorade, Rockstar, Lipton Tea, Ocean Spray Juice Drinks, Aquafina Water, Starbucks Iced Coffee and Frappuccino, will be exclusively served at the track, with Pepsi named as the official soft drink of Road America.

“We are very pleased to be adding Pepsi to Road America’s growing list of corporate partners,” said Road America president and general manager George Bruggenthies. “We’ve been very fortunate that we have what we feel are the greatest sponsors in the sport and bringing Pepsi into our family is a perfect fit for where we are and where we intend to go. We are anxiously looking forward to a long and rewarding partnership with what is one of the most recognized and respected companies in the world.”

“Lakeside Pepsi Cola is very excited to partner with a revered venue such as Road America,” said Pete Schueller, vice president of Lakeside Pepsi Cola. “We look forward to working together as we bring our broad product portfolio to race fans at America’s National Park of Speed and develop exciting consumer marketing programs to help grow our businesses together.”

The multi-year partnership between Road America and Lakeside Pepsi Cola also includes a number of shared multi-state marketing initiatives designed to help both entities increase brand awareness and promote their products throughout the area and the racing community.

Road America’s first race weekend will be May 17-19, when it hosts the (SVRA) Spring Vintage Weekend. Two-wheeled action takes center stage when the GEICO Motorcycle AMA Subway SuperBike Doubleheader hits the track on May 31-June 2. One week later, June 7-9, vintage motorcycle enthusiasts will be on track during the AHRMA Vintage Motorcycle Classic, followed by the WeatherTech Chicago Region SCCA June Sprints from June 13-16 – Road America’s longest running annual sports car event.

The NASCAR Nationwide Series and ARCA Series roll into Road America on June 20-22, bringing intense wheel-to-wheel stock car racing action to the nation’s most intimidating road course. A mid-summer classic, The HAWK with Brian Redman, takes place July 18-21, and has quickly grown to become one of the largest vintage racing events in the country. Chevrolet’s Corvette will receive top honors as the featured marque during The HAWK in celebration of Corvette’s 60th Anniversary.

Hertz Named Official Car Rental Sponsor of Arnold Palmer Invitational

The Hertz Corporation have extended their association with the Arnold Palmer Invitational by signing a four-year partnership for Hertz to be the Official Car Rental Sponsor of the Invitational.

Hertz and Arnold Palmer have been together for 30 years, since 1983.  Hertz has featured the World Golf Hall of Fame icon in print advertisements, radio and television commercials, and other promotions over the years. In addition, Hertz was title sponsor of Palmer’s PGA TOUR event at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge from 1985 through 1988, for what was then known as the Hertz Bay Hill Classic. Hertz has been an associate sponsor since 1996 of the event now presented by MasterCard.

“Hertz has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Arnold Palmer, from our continued sponsorship of the Invitational to our earlier days when Arnold played a prominent role in our advertising,” commented Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  “Hertz has a robust roster of sports relationships and our continued partnership with the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard highlights the importance of the sport and the incremental value we receive reaching its loyal fan base.”

“Nothing pleases me more than to know that my long-time association with Hertz continues with the four-year extension of its associate sponsorship of our tournament,” Palmer said. “Hertz has been a loyal and generous supporter of the tournament through most of its existence and has played an important role in raising its stature to the high level the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard enjoys today.” 

Circuit of The Americas Sponsors UTSVT Team at Formula Sun Grand Prix

Circuit of The Americas, which hosts F1’s US Grand Prix, has announced its sponsorship of The University of Texas at Austin Solar Vehicles Team (UTSVT) participating in the Formula Sun Grand Prix June 24-29, 2013.

The Circuit’s $50,000 sponsorship will cover costs associated with the production of the university team’s solar cars, including the array of photovoltaic cells that cover the body of the car and convert sunlight into electricity which powers the car’s motor. The Formula Sun Grand Prix will be held at the new world-class destination for premier motorsport, entertainment and special events. This is the first time the Formula Sun Grand Prix event will be hosted at an official Formula 1 racetrack.

UTSVT is a volunteer, student-run organization committed to developing solar electric vehicles and representing The University of Texas at Austin in international solar car competitions. The team is comprised of approximately 50 members, most of whom are undergraduate students in the Cockrell School of Engineering. UTSVT will also serve as the local university host for the event and will organize a variety of activities for the participating teams.

“Circuit of The Americas is committed to supporting educational initiatives in the local community, and we are honored to sponsor the local university host team for this event,” Circuit Director of Sustainability Edgar Farrera said. “Our company shares the Formula Sun Grand Prix’s commitment to renewable energy and industries that prioritize environmental stewardship. We hope students’ involvement in this challenge inspires them to seek careers in energy management, aerodynamics, fabrication and high-tech materials.”

“The Cockrell School of Engineering at UT Austin is excited to partner with the Formula Sun Grand Prix,” Dean Gregory L. Fenves said. “This race will engage science and engineering students across the nation in the application of solar energy technology, and it is an opportunity for our engineering students on the solar vehicles team to showcase their innovations and problem-solving skills.”

The Formula Sun Grand Prix is an annual collegiate solar car track event. Before arriving at the host track, teams design and build a solar-powered vehicle in accordance with the event regulations.

Herr Foods Renews Deal as Official Snack Food of ARCA Racing Series

Herr Foods Inc. announced today that the Pennsylvania-based snack food producer will continue their marketing presence within the 2013 Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Racing Series.

Herr’s has agreed to extend their “Official Snack Food of ARCA,” sponsorship program, and will once again sponsor the “Herr’s Live Life With Flavor 200” ARCA Racing Series event at Madison International Speedway in Madison, Wisc. for a third consecutive year. In addition, Herr’s will also continue to be the title sponsor of the June 30 ARCA Racing Series visit to Winchester Speedway in Winchester, Ind.

“This motorsports sponsorship program is a direct result of the business-to-business relationship between Herr’s Foods and Menards,” said Mark Gundrum, Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Partnerships for ARCA. “The end result is increased business and product sales for Herr’s.”

The Herr Foods Chase the Taste 200 will once again highlight an “All-ARCA” weekend at Winchester Speedway in June. ARCA Racing Series Practice and Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell will take place on Saturday, June 23, along with racing by the ARCA Truck Series and ARCA/CRA Super Series Late Models. The Herr Foods Chase the Taste 200 will go green at 2:00 p.m.

“Herr’s and Menards have become very important strategic marketing partners, not only for Madison International Speedway, but for the entire ARCA Racing Series,” Gundrum said. “Herr’s involvement with the tour and our presenting sponsor positions them as a very important marketing partner for ARCA.”

Crocs Becomes Presenting Sponsor of 2013 BolderBOULDER Running Race

BolderBOULDER, medstore the third largest running race in the United States, today announced Crocs, Inc. as the presenting sponsor for the 2013 BolderBOULDER.

The race attracts more than 50,000 participants and draws professional racing teams from all over the world. More than 150,000 spectators watch the festivities at this Memorial Day tradition in Boulder, Colorado.

“We’ve had an outstanding relationship with Crocs, as they have sponsored our race in different capacities over the years,” said Cliff Bosley, Race Director. “We are thrilled to have them as our presenting sponsor because like us, they are an influential brand to many Coloradoans.”

Crocs will be the sole presenting sponsor for the BolderBOULDER, and the event will be called the BolderBOULDER Presented by Crocs. Crocs will also offer race packet pick-up and on-site registration at its Colorado retail locations, including their outlet location in Silverthorne, CO. In addition, every volunteer for the race will be outfitted in a pair of Crocs™ shoes.

“We are so excited to be the presenting sponsor of the BolderBOULDER, especially since our company was born in Boulder 11 years ago and our headquarters still remain here,” said Michael Martin, Crocs’ Director of Marketing for the Americas. “We think the unique nature of the BolderBOULDER is the perfect fit for our very unique brand. There’s no other place in the world we would rather kick off the summer, than with 50,000 people who love the active, Boulder lifestyle like us.”

The BolderBOULDER 10K road race was first held in 1979 in the area around North Boulder Park. Today, the course finishes at the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field. From the first-year field of 2,700 runners, it has grown into the seventh largest road race in the world, with more than 53,000 participants in 2012.

America’s Cup Agrees Sustainability Partnership with Offsetters

America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA) and Vancouver, BC based Offsetters, North America’s leading carbon management solutions provider have agreed a partnership.

“Our unique partnership with Offsetters marks the 34th America’s Cup as the first in history to have an Official Carbon Credit Supplier, and is a crucial step forward to meeting our goal to make this race as sustainable as possible,” said Stephen Barclay, CEO of ACEA.

To help the America’s Cup reach its sustainability goals, Offsetters will provide a portfolio of high quality carbon credits that have strong links to marine benefits and the sport of sailing. Offsetters will also manage the America’s Cup Sustainability Credit (“ACSC”) Program.

Each ACSC is comprised of a carbon credit equivalent to removing one tonne of greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere, and a cash donation to a restoration project in San Francisco Bay, where the sailing event takes place. The aquatics-related carbon credit projects will prevent emissions from entering into the atmosphere, thereby compensating for the emissions arising from the event that are under the control of the event organizers. All carbon credits will be sourced from high-quality projects, designed to meet or exceed the highest international standard for carbon accounting and offsetting.

The America’s Cup Sustainability Plan outlines the ACEA’s approach to delivering sustainable event activities in San Francisco.  Strategies include diverting materials away from landfill, sourcing local and sustainable food, and reducing emissions from transportation. A robust event carbon management strategy is being implemented to measure the event carbon footprint, reduce ACEA’s owned emissions, and to compensate for ACEA’s unavoidable emissions associated with event activities in San Francisco.

Offsetters and ACEA will also work with interested stakeholders who want to compensate for their own emissions from the Summer of Racing – resulting from air travel and other carbon emitting activities – by encouraging them to acquire ACSC.

“We’re proud to partner with such a historic sporting event and to showcase ACEA’s forward-thinking leadership in environmental sustainability,” said Dr. James Tansey , CEO of Offsetters. “The projects we have chosen to offset its emissions will continue as living environmental legacies of the 34th America’s Cup, long after the athletes and spectators have returned home.”

Olympic Gold Figure Skater Dorothy Hamill Endorses Smooth Fitness Equipment

Smooth Fitness, cialis LLC, denture the largest online retailer of home fitness equipment, denture has announced that World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist figure skater Dorothy Hamill has been named a spokesperson for Smooth Fitness Equipment.

Commenting on her new role with the popular Internet fitness retailer, Dorothy Hamill said: “I’m a big fan of lifetime fitness, and home exercise equipment is a very convenient way for people to build activity into their daily lives. The Smooth Fitness brand is known for its quality, and its extensive line of exercise equipment means that everyone can find a physical activity that can help them achieve their goals, whether they’re just trying to get in shape or training for a marathon.

“When I take care of myself, I feel better. I exercise every day, and innovative, quality fitness equipment like the products from Smooth Fitness helps me stay active.”

Rich Hebert, Smooth Fitness’ President and CEO, commented: “We are thrilled to have the support of Dorothy Hamill, as she exemplifies our mission to help people lead healthy lives. Her leadership in many roles demonstrates qualities that fitness enthusiasts admire and desire. She is a great role model for lifelong fitness and community involvement.”