China’s Hebei Tinsue Floor Technology Co., Ltd has been announced as the Official Sports Floor Supplier to the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games Table Tennis event.

In addition, to show their commitment to the development of Table Tennis globally, Tinsue will support the Continents with Marketing agreements with the ITTF, providing Sports flooring to the African, North American, Latin American and Oceania events for 2013 and 2014.

Tinsue, which in 2010 became the first Chinese Sports flooring company to sponsor International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) events, was also the Official Sports Floor Supplier at the recently concluded 2012 London Olympic Games Table Tennis event.

“Tinsue is a relatively new player in providing Sports Flooring Sponsorship to the ITTF but are fast becoming one of our key partners”, remarked Steve Dainton, ITTF Marketing Director. “It is with great pleasure that we announce Tinsue as sponsor of the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games, namely – Official Sports Floor Supplier to the Table Tennis event. After an extremely successful 2012 London Olympic Games where both Tinsue and the ITTF built on their relationship we were very confident that by choosing Tinsue, a Chinese company, for an Olympic event in China, that the event will also be a true success.”

“As well, we are pleased to announce that Tinsue will support for 2 more years the Continents with Marketing agreements with the ITTF, providing Sports flooring to the African, North American, Latin American and Oceania events for 2013 and 2014, which shows to prove they are true supporters of table tennis.”

Adham Sharara, ITTF President also added that “the ITTF is extremely pleased with Tinsue’s continuous support of ITTF events. The brand “TINSUE” has become synonymous with top quality sports flooring, and of course as the table tennis Olympic sports floor. The agreement for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games further strengthens the relationship between Tinsue and the ITTF, and will provide to the young athletes taking part in the YOG in Nanjing a top quality sports floor for peak performance.”

Louis Garneau and Cycling Canada have confirmed the renewal of their partnership.

Under the new deal, unhealthy Louis Garneau is the Official Cycling Apparel Sponsor of Cycling Canada for an additional four-year term, capsule and subsequently the cycling apparel provider for the Canadian Cycling Teams at the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, order Brazil.

Louis Garneau has outfitted the Canadian Cycling Teams in performance apparel since 1984 (the year Louis himself participated in the Los Angeles Games). Louis Garneau will continue to supply the teams with leading, technologically advanced apparel for optimal performances. Louis Garneau is known for its high performance apparel that outfits some of the top riders and athletes in the world.

The Louis Garneau logo will be prominently featured on the Canadian Cycling Teams uniforms in international races every year.

“Our role in the future of Canadian cycling is an essential component of our company’s DNA,” said company President and Founder Louis Garneau. “From a historical perspective, the relationship between my company and Cycling Canada stems back to my participation in the 1984 Olympic Games and my son’s participation at the 2008 Junior World Championship.”

Garneau continued, “As we look towards the future, in a time when the sport of professional cycling is volatile and its merits are being contested, this partnership pertains to the investment in the future of cycling and the athletes that will continue the sport that has been my passion and livelihood.”

“Our cycling performance wear has been proven, through research and development, to improve speed and performance at the high-level competitive stage these athletes compete in,” added Louis Garneau Global Marketing Director Pierre Perron. “A key element of our multi-year renewal is based on continuing this legacy of close collaboration on product design through access to world-class athletes, scientists, aerodynamicists, wind-tunnel facilities, and real-world testing. Because of this, Louis Garneau is known for its commitment to driving innovation for the future and pushing technology even further.”

“We are delighted to benefit from the renewed partnership with Louis Garneau for the next four years,” said Cycling Canada High Performance Director Jacques Landry. “Both Cycling Canada and Louis Garneau have always been committed to providing our cycling athletes with the best possible tools they require to perform at the highest international level. By working with LG to design state-of-the-art competitive clothing, our athletes will continue to perform on the international scene with the best apparel on the market.

Landry added,“Building on the success that Cycling Canada has had over the last four years by implementing a system to support our athletes’ potential, the next four years will be devoted to focusing on the processes that will give our athletes the optimal chances to win medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio.”

 

British Triathlon has announced that Z3R0D has been appointed as the Official Performance Apparel Sponsor to all Great Britain Championship Teams, including elite, paratriathlon and age-group until 2016.

Z3R0D, a Montpellier based French brand, driven by owners and triathletes Frédéric and Pierre Dorez, was selected by British Triathlon after an extensive tender process; aiming to determine not only a sound commercial relationship but also a partner that presented a dynamic forward thinking strategy and had a passion for the development of quality competition and casual triathlon wear.

On announcing the relationship, Zara Hyde Peters OBE, Chief Executive of British Triathlon said: “Z3R0D impressed British Triathlon in many ways; their passion for triathlon was clear along with their reputation for making great products that we know elite athletes enjoy competing in. We feel Z3R0D represents many of the brand values of the sport of triathlon; it’s young, dynamic, innovative and modern, without compromising performance. We look forward to this exciting new relationship.”

Frédéric Dorez, co-founder of Z3R0D said: “Z3R0D, the number one French triathlon brand is proud to be appointed as the Official Performance Apparel Sponsor of British Triathlon. The brand is very excited that British Triathlon’s already legendary athletes will continue to write history wearing Z3R0D.”

Xerox, the world’s leading enterprise for business process and document management has revealed a multi-year, multi-million dollar global partnership with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

Under the agreement, Xerox will become the WTA’s exclusive supplier of business services and office document technology.

During the first year of the agreement, Xerox will activate at 18 WTA tournaments around the globe, accessing significant global marketing, digital, broadcast and content rights throughout the WTA season, including ePlayer, mobile and social networking applications.

Additionally, Xerox will become a partner of the prestigious TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships – Istanbul, which in 2012 set records for attendance, broadcast coverage and digital fan engagement.

“Xerox is one of the world’s leading iconic brands, and to have them not only as a sponsor but as a partner is a real plus to the WTA family,” said Stacey Allaster, Chairman & CEO of the WTA. “Through their services and products, Xerox will add significant business value to the WTA and our tournaments, and as a marketing partner we know they will build on the popularity of women’s tennis and work with us to take the WTA to the next level of success. 2013 is a milestone year for the WTA as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of women’s professional tennis and the announcement of this worldwide partnership with Xerox is a fantastic way to start the season.”

“Since its inception in 1973, the WTA has fostered a long-held commitment to innovation, which has seen our organization grow to become the world’s leading professional sport for women,” added Allaster. “Partnering with Xerox, a brand with a heritage of innovation, a strong commitment to excellence and unrivalled global business services is a perfect fit for the WTA.”

“While on the court fans are witness to outstanding competition, off the court the WTA is running a complex business with multiple stakeholders – fans, players, tournament officials, sponsors, media, and more,” said Christa Carone, Xerox’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The future success of the WTA depends on operational discipline and ingenuity in meeting all their stakeholders’ needs. That’s where Xerox comes in. As a WTA partner, Xerox plans to be behind the scenes helping to simplify the WTA’s various operations – from IT support and HR services to communication and marketing services – so the WTA can focus on serving up world class tennis and remarkable fan experiences.”

The announcement marks the sixth new sponsorship agreement secured by the WTA over the last two and a half years, after BNP Paribas, Rolex, Oriflame, Peak and Jetstar. The WTA Board is expected to approve the Xerox deal this week. GroupM Entertainment & Sports Partnerships (ESP) negotiated the partnership for Xerox, and manages their global sports and entertainment partnership portfolio.

Volleyball Canada (VC) announces that it has finalized a four-year partnership with international sporting goods company Mizuno Canada.

The agreement will focus on the indoor volleyball programs and events organized by Volleyball Canada including the Men’s and Women’s National teams preparing for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and VC’s Canadian Open Championships.

VC’s Executive Director, remedy Mark Eckert says “The value of partnering with a company like Mizuno Canada, pharm with long history in our sport and a leader in the footwear industry, health | makes it an ideal relationship. We look forward to seeing our teams showcasing their shoes and apparel at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil.”

Mizuno’s President John Stacey says “Mizuno Canada is excited to continue its partnership with Volleyball Canada to supply our Canadian National Indoor Volleyball teams with Mizuno products for the next four years through the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. The agreement will ensure the best developing Canadian volleyball players will be able to focus on their skills and count on Mizuno’s support in providing quality footwear and clothing. Volleyball Canada is a great partner who is committed to growing the sport of Volleyball in Canada.”

The new four-year agreement is made up of cash, footwear, apparel and a retail licensing program. In addition, the deal with Volleyball Canada also includes rights for Mizuno Canada to operate retail vending stands and kiosks at VC’s Canadian Open Championships.

WNBA’s Tulsa Shock have agreed a marquee partnership with Osage Casino.

As part of the innovative alliance, the Osage Casino logo will appear on the Shock home and away jerseys beginning in the 2013 season. The partnership will also showcase the Osage Casino brand in advertising and signage at the BOK Center.

“The Osage Casino is a contributing part of the Tulsa and Oklahoma business community, and we are proud to help support the growth of our local professional basketball team,” said Neil Cornelius, CEO of Osage Casino.

“This agreement and the ability of our organization to secure a marquee partnership is one of the most significant milestones in franchise history,” said Steve Swetoha, president of the Tulsa Shock. “Osage Casino is a widely respected local and regional brand in the gaming and entertainment industry. Partnering with such a strong local brand will only enhance our own branding and visibility opportunities in Northeast Oklahoma.”

The multi-year partnership combines brand awareness, fan loyalty, signage, in-arena promotions, media elements, community programs, hospitality, digital and social outreach, traffic driving promotions, broadcasting and events.

“Osage Casino is delighted to enter into this partnership with the Tulsa Shock,” Cornelius said. “We are proud to help support the growth of and share in the successes of our local professional basketball team. This is truly a win/win scenario for the Osage Nation and the Tulsa Shock. Our Tulsa location is the closest casino to downtown. It makes perfect sense to spread awareness of Osage Casino directly into the downtown community.”

“We are very proud to join with Osage Casino in this unique partnership and the opportunity to assist them in expanding their brand,” said Sam Combs, Owner and Managing Partner of Tulsa Pro Hoops. “They have been an enthusiastic supporter of the Tulsa Shock team since the first year of the franchise’s existence. We look forward to a long-term relationship.”

“We are thrilled for the Tulsa Shock to be entering into a marquee partnership with Osage Casino,” said WNBA President Laurel J. Richie. “In the years ahead, we look forward to leveraging the many synergies that brought them together. It is an exciting time for the Tulsa Shock and Osage Casino.”

Bridle Insurance, check a leading UK insurance intermediary, has revealed they will not extend their sponsorship of English League Two club, Oxford United.

The Witney-based firm took over from Buildbase as the club’s shirt sponsors in 2010, but have decided this will be the final season.

United chairman Ian Lenagan thanked Bridle for their contribution to the club.

He said: “They told us in plenty of time, which is good and we’ve got lots of time to replace them as sponsors.

“And like Buildbase before them they’ve done a good job for us during that period.

“I’m confident that Oxford United in the next two or three years will get significant sponsors in addition to the ones we’ve got already.”

Rhino Rugby League and 1eagu3, click the Super League players association have announced a partnership to look at ways of developing bespoke Rugby League Equipment.

The partnership will see Rhino and a panel of players nominated by 1eagu3 set up a series of workshops to look at ways of improving and developing bespoke Rugby League training equipment and balls.

Rhino Rugby League Managing Director Tony Colquitt commented, “Rhino has a proud tradition of bringing innovation into the Rugby union equipment marketplace. We are aware that this is an area that has been somewhat overlooked in Rugby League and we are keen to work with the players to get a fuller understanding of what is required to help fulfil their requirements. League is a technical game with bespoke skills that require bespoke solutions.”

The Chairman of 1eagu3 Jon Wilkin commented: “We are very pleased to announce an partnership between RHINO and 1EAGU3. the partnership aims to ensure the equipment used in Super League is of the highest standard. RHINO have asked for 1EAGU3 members to get involved and help them develop cutting edge, bespoke equipment to be used on the training field and on a match day. RHINO have acknowledged how important feedback from the athletes can be. We are very much looking forward to working with RHINO to help them to continue to produce the best products money can buy in rugby league over the coming years.”

Rhino are providing the official ball of Super League this season, following the announcement of a three-year deal in the winter.