BMW has been chosen as the official vehicle sponsor of New Zealand based tennis tournaments, check ASB Classic and Heineken Open events.

Greg Hedgepeth, and National Sales and Marketing Manager of BMW Group NZ, commented: “We’re proud to be affiliated with these iconic summer championships that are the pinnacle of New Zealand sporting events. As the world’s leading premium automotive brand BMW has long been associated with powerful performance, precision, and dynamism. These characteristics align with both the ASB Classic and Heineken Open, making this partnership the perfect fit.”

“This pairing will give us the opportunity to showcase our product to a wider audience, allowing us to demonstrate the versatility and practicality of our range. From the entry level BMW 1 Series right through to the BMW X6 our models cater for all needs providing kiwis with the ultimate lifestyle vehicle.”

“To have the world’s best players competing right here in New Zealand is fantastic and BMW is looking forward to being part of both events.”

First Command Financial Services have revealed they will continue to sponsor the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl for the seventh consecutive year.

Kicking off at 10:45 a.m. CST on Dec. 29 at the newly-renovated Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, anesthetist Texas, advice the Armed Forces Bowl will feature the United States Air Force Academy and Rice University. The game will air on ESPN TV and ESPN Radio as well as the American Forces Network to U.S. servicemembers around the world.

The game and associated events will involve all branches of America’s armed forces and will feature a showcase of military hardware and presentations by military servicemembers, a flyover and demonstration by an elite military skydiving team, the presentation of the “Great American Patriot Award” with on-field induction ceremonies at halftime, and more.

Through underwriting in part by First Command, all U.S. military active-duty personnel are eligible for free admission, and a portion of local ticket sales will be donated to military charities.

Dennis Holland, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of First Command Financial Services, told iSportconnect: “The Armed Forces Bowl is an ideal fit for First Command Financial Services. As a company that serves active-duty personnel and their families, a military-themed bowl game is the perfect venue for paying tribute to America’s men and women in uniform.

“Through the broadcast relationship with ESPN and the Armed Forces Network, we are confident that our message will reach First Command’s current and future military clients wherever they may serve, at home or oversees.”

Cargill Beef will be a Roush Fenway primary sponsor for NASCAR’s 2013 Nationwide Series for the fourth consecutive year. Cargill will be the primary sponsor for 10 races.

Cargill Beef is the primary sponsor of the Roush Fenway Racing No. 6 Ford Mustang in the Nationwide Series. Trevor Bayne, here the youngest driver to win the Daytona 500, cialis will compete in the No. 6 Ford Mustang as Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. moves to the Sprint Cup Series. Stenhouse, Jr. won the Nationwide Series the past two seasons driving the Cargill Beef No. 6 Roush Fenway Ford Mustang.

“Our partnership with Roush Fenway and the No. 6 Ford Mustang has been terrific for our beef business,” said Tammy Shaw, Cargill Beef vice president of sales and marketing. “We are thrilled to see Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. transition to the next level after winning two championships with Cargill Beef as a sponsor, and we look forward to leveraging the benefits of our sponsorship in ways that continue to grow our beef business with our retail and foodservice customers throughout the US.

“Roush Fenway has been an excellent partner because the organization truly knows how to collaborate with us to help Cargill Beef achieve its marketing and sales goals for our brands.”

Crew chief Mike Kelley is returning to lead the racing team. Bayne, who won the Daytona 500 in 2010 at age 20, said he is excited to work with Kelley as the crew makes a run at defending the Nationwide Series Championship.

“It’s also great to have Cargill Beef back on board with us next season because beef and NASCAR racing are made for each other and both benefit from this sponsorship,” Bayne said. “I’ve enjoyed learning about the beef business and meeting so many Cargill people who are responsible for producing the beef NASCAR fans love to eat. I look forward to representing them on the track and in victory lane.”

Kia Motors America (KMA) and the LPGA today announced the fourth-annual Kia Classic will move in 2013 to Aviara Golf Club located at the Park Hyatt Resort in Carlsbad, arthritis Calif. 

The move comes with the announcement that KMA has signed a multi-year contract extension as title sponsor of the tournament.  The 2013 Kia Classic, which will feature a 144-player field, will be played March 18-24.

“Kia is one of the fastest growing auto brands in the U.S., and sports marketing initiatives such as our involvement with the LPGA have significantly raised awareness and consideration for the brand and our vehicles,” said Michael Sprague executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.  “With the success of the past three tournaments, we are pleased to continue as title sponsor for the Kia Classic and bring the tournament to the luxurious Aviara Golf Club in 2013.”

The venue for the 2013 Kia Classic, Aviara Golf Club, which was named by Golf Digest and Golf Magazineas one of the best resort golf courses in America and the No.1 golf resort in San Diego according to the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, overlooks the beautiful Batiquitos Lagoon ecological reserve and is the only San Diego golf course designed by Arnold Palmer.  Aviara features a memorable par-72 coastal layout that stretches 7,007 yards and is uniquely sculpted through rolling hillsides, native wildflowers and plenty of bunker and water challenges.  The golf club is part of the AAA Five Diamond-rated Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, which features 329 guest rooms, four on-site restaurants, full-service spa, tennis courts, fitness facility and more.

“We are thrilled to extend our relationship with Kia for the Kia Classic,” said LPGA Chief Marketing Officer Jon Podany.  “Kia has been a terrific partner, and the Kia Classic is one of the core pillars of the opening of our domestic season on the West Coast.  Kia has also done an outstanding job of integrating with the LPGA and activating behind the Kia Classic to make this tournament better every year.  We look forward to many more years.”

The 2013 Kia Classic sponsor exemption will be given to the winner of the UC Irvine Women’s Golf Anteater Invitational presented by Kia, February 25-26 at the Santa Ana Country Club.  This partnership will make the UC Irvine Women’s Golf Anteater Invitational presented by Kia the only collegiate tournament in the country that will allow the winner to qualify for an LPGA event.  Additionally, the Kia Classic will continue to host a hole-in-one giveaway contest for both the Pro-Am and the tournament with a 2013 Kia vehicle as the prize.

“The Kia Classic has established itself as one of the premier professional golf events, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to host a field of the world’s best female golfers,” said Mark Stiebeling, General Manager for Park Hyatt Aviara Resort.  “Our commitment to excellence will ensure that the players and fans alike are treated to a first-class experience on the golf course and throughout the resort.”

In 2012, Taiwan native Yani Tseng, the No. 1 player on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, won the third-annual Kia Classic at the La Costa Resort and Spa.  In 2011, the Kia Classic was the stage for another breakout win as Germany’s Sandra Gal became a Rolex-First Time Winner with her thrilling one-shot victory over eight-time LPGA Tour winner Jiyai Shin at Industry Hills Golf Club.

NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder have secured a major corporate partnership with Kia Motors have announced a new partnership, making Kia the Official Automotive Partner of the Thunder. 

For the 2012-13 season, Kia will sponsor select elements with the team, including the updated Kia Rewards Zone, which offers fans a game-night opportunity to win the final 50 pairs of tickets for every Thunder home game. 

In 2013-14, Kia will become the Exclusive Automotive Partner of the Thunder, expanding Kia’s partnership with the team with additional displays and fan-friendly promotions. 

“We are proud to partner with Kia and bring it on as a part of our team,” said Danny Barth, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of the Thunder. “With this partnership, Kia has demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment to our team and to Thunder fans across the state. We look forward to building this partnership and fostering the connections between Kia and our fans.” 

The partnership will extend to include several Kia dealerships across the state, including Bob Moore Kia in Oklahoma City and Edmond and Primeaux Kia in Tulsa, and a promotional giveaway of Thunder tickets will commence on Jan. 1 (details of the giveaway will vary by location). 

“Kia’s involvement with the NBA and nearly half of the league’s teams has driven dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications, KMA. “Our team partnerships leverage the excitement of the game and increase Kia’s interaction with the passionate fan bases in each market, and we are proud to add the Oklahoma City Thunder to our roster.” 

Other elements of the partnership include Kia branding within Chesapeake Energy Arena; a presenting sponsorship of the “Top Stories” section of the team’s official website, THUNDER.NBA.COM; a concourse vehicle display at the arena; and in-game features during Thunder television and radio broadcasts.

SKYCITY has come on board as the naming rights sponsor for the SKYCITY New Zealand Badminton Open to be held in Auckland next year, price ed which is expected to attract 350 players from 20 countries around the world including players from badminton strongholds such as China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, India and European nations.

The event, a Badminton World Federation Grand Prix tournament worth US$50,000 in prize money, forms part of a three tournament swing through Oceania. It follows on from the Australian Badminton Open in Sydney – a Grand Prix Gold tournament, and precedes the Tahiti International.

SKYCITY Auckland GM Simon Jamieson says SKYCITY is proud to be involved in supporting an international scale tournament that will draw hundreds of overseas visitors to the country and showcase what New Zealand has to offer.

“Badminton is a very popular sport in many different countries across the world, particularly in Asia. The New Zealand Badminton Open will be broadcast internationally and SKYCITY is happy to be able to come on board as naming rights sponsor and support this world class event.

“The new partnership with Badminton NZ is a welcome addition to the many sports and community partnerships SKYCITY already has in place and we look forward to working with Badminton NZ over the coming months in welcoming these international players to New Zealand and ensuring the tournament is a huge success,” says Mr Jamieson.

Event Director Julie Carrel says the SKYCITY New Zealand Open will be a great opportunity to see some of the world’s best play in New Zealand in a Grand Prix tournament.

“This is also a great chance for New Zealand’s best to take to the court with home support. It’s a big boost to the event to have such a well-known and supportive partner in SKYCITY coming on board as the naming rights sponsor and official accommodation provider. The involvement of SKYCITY will add value to the event which will enhance the player experience to ensure they want to return again and again,” says Mrs Carrel. [pictured]

The SKYCITY New Zealand Open will be held at the North Shore Events Centre from 10-14 April 2013 and is expected to attract top 20 ranked players from around the world.

Top UK MMA heavyweight, Oli Thompson, has signed functional fitness specialists, Jordan Fitness to assist with his strength and conditioning training.

Jordan Fitness is the official supplier for Combat Ready Training, run by Strength & Conditioning coach, Christian Vila. Christian is now preparing Oli for his next bout against Damian Grabowski at the MMC Fight Club event on the 16th December at London’s Indigo2 Arena.

Jordan Fitness is supplying the Combat Ready Training camps with functional fitness equipment including sandbags, balance trainers, sonic chute, speed/agility ladder.

Oli, Britain’s Strongest Man in 2006, is a former UCMMA heavy weight champion and is the current CSMMA Heavyweight Champion and is keen to get back on the UFC roster.

“I’ve trusted Jordan to supply the best quality training equipment for over five years now. Their range is expanding all the time, keeping up with current trends in functional training. You’ll struggle to find a better company with such great customer service!” says Coach, Christian Vila (pictured, above right)

“We are proud that Oli Thompson and Combat Ready Training have chosen Jordan Fitness as their Official Supplier”, says “Zak Pitt, Sales Director at Jordan Fitness. “We wish Oli all the very best with his training ahead of his fights this year”.

Brand USA, medicine the new tourism marketing organization for the United States, viagra and Delta Air Lines have signed on as Global Partners for the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Both sponsors will be incorporated into all aspects of the event, herbal with full integration across the seven venues of the tournament and on all media platforms worldwide.  Each partner will also conduct comprehensive international marketing campaigns.

The Brand USA partnership with the 2013 World Baseball Classic is an integrated program comprised of international TV broadcast exposure, Brand USA TV, print and digital advertising, social media programs and other promotions, as well as event signage in Japan and Taiwan.  Through the partnership, Brand USA expects to raise awareness of, and interest in, travel to the United States from international in-bound travelers—with the world’s growing love of baseball and the excitement of the World Baseball Classic as the backdrop.

As the Official Airline of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, Delta will be the tournament’s preferred carrier for the more than 3,000 commercial flights needed for players, team personnel and tournament staff.  Delta will also provide 14 charter flights to transport teams between each round of the tournament.

“The World Baseball Classic is an event that brings fans from around the globe together to celebrate the game.  It is fitting that Delta Air Lines and Brand USA – two companies that are also dedicated to bringing people together – are partnering with the 2013 tournament at the global level,” said Paul Archey, Senior Vice President, International Business Operations, Major League Baseball. “We are pleased to have Delta and Brand USA on board and look forward to working with them in the lead up to next March.”

“The World Baseball Classic provides a great platform and unique opportunities for its sponsors to further their reach and enhance their images, by reaching millions of passionate baseball fans spread across the globe – fans who are loyal to the core,” said Timothy Slavin, member of the World Baseball Classic, Inc. Board of Directors. “We’re excited to have Brand USA and Delta Air Lines join the World Baseball Classic line-up, and we’re confident their sponsorship activation will benefit all involved, including the players and the fans.”

“Being the official worldwide carrier of the World Baseball Classic supports Delta’s vision to do more business on a global scale. This partnership reflects Delta as a premier global carrier,” said Steve Sear, Senior Vice President, Global Sales, Delta Air Lines. “What better way than in the spirit of competition and in conjunction with professional baseball. Delta has a long history of service with baseball; including partnerships with our hometown Atlanta Braves as well as six other MLB Clubs.”

”The World Baseball Classic provides Brand USA a unique opportunity to reach hundreds of millions of potential travelers from core international inbound travel markets to the United States through a fully integrated and highly interactive campaign,” said Michael Carroll, Vice President, Partner Marketing, Brand USA. “In addition to significant international advertising and digital exposure, the campaign also provides opportunities for our U.S. host city partners to leverage the international appeal of baseball to inspire more travelers to come to the United States and discover this land like never before.”

The 2013 World Baseball Classic, which is the third edition of the tournament, will feature the world’s best players representing their countries and territories. Thirty-nine games will be played in seven venues in four nations and territories from March 2 through March 19, 2013. Team Japan is the two-time defending champion of the World Baseball Classic, having won in 2006 and 2009.

For the first time, four Qualifiers were held for the 2013 World Baseball Classic, which expanded the competitive field from 16 to 28 countries. Brazil, Canada, Chinese Taipei and Spain emerged from the Qualifiers to earn spots in the March 2013 event. Those four Qualifier teams will join the teams of the 12 countries/terrirories – Australia, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, United States and Venezuela – that received automatic invitations based on their performances in the 2009 tournament.

In the United States, MLB Network will be the exclusive English-language broadcast partner for all 39 games of the 2013 World Baseball Classic. The Semi-Final and Final games will take place March 17^th– 19^th at San Francisco’s AT&T Park, hosted by the San Francisco Giants. Second round games will be held in the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan from March 8^th-12^th and at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida from March 12^th-16^th.

First round games will be held at the Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome in Fukuoka, Japan from March 2^nd-6^th; at Intercontinental Stadium from March 2^nd-5^th in Taichung, Taiwan; at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico from March 7^th-10^th; and at Chase Field and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Phoenix, Arizona from March 7^th-10^th.

FINA has announced the extension of its Official Partner agreement with the Yakult Honsha Co., viagra sale Ltd of Japan for another six years until 2018.

FINA and Yakult first became partners in 2005.

Yakult will sponsor the FINA World Championships in Barcelona (ESP) 2013, adiposity Kazan (RUS) 2015 and Guadalajara (MEX) 2017, as well as the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Doha (QAT) 2014, Windsor (CAN) 2016 and 2018. Yakult will be the official bib sponsor of all Women’s events at FINA Championships as well as the sponsor of FINA’s Nutrition Programme.

As a probiotics pioneer, Yakult’s corporate philosophy “to contribute to the health of people around the world” is in harmony with FINA’s mission to develop global participation in the aquatic sports it governs.

As part of the Closing Press Conference of the 11th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Istanbul (TUR), the FINA President Dr. Julio C. Maglione and Yakult’s General Manager Mr. Kiyoshi Hirano formally and publicly signed the new agreement.

“FINA is very happy with this partnership, which brings additional value and prestige to our FINA World Championships, for the benefit of our athletes and respective National Federations”, stated Dr. Maglione.

“Due to the success of our relationship over the last eight years, we have decided to extend our Partnership with FINA for a further six years. We share FINA’s philosophy of promoting good health through aquatics and in doing so contributing to the health and happiness of people throughout the World. We are both proud and delighted to be extending our support of FINA”, declared Mr. Hirano.

British Triathlon have confirmed a new partnership with Upsolut Sport UK, a leading sports event management company.

British Triathlon has worked with Upsolut Sport UK as their major event delivery partner since 2009 when the first ITU World Triathlon Series event in London’s Hyde Park was delivered in partnership.

Triathlon is the ultimate lifestyle sport that embodies wellbeing and empowerment; currently experiencing significant participation growth in Britain. This growth is fuelled by the success of British athletes who in 2012 won major titles in the sport; Alistair Brownlee famously winning Olympic Gold in London, his brother Jonathan claiming Bronze and becoming ITU World Champion in Auckland in October. Britain’s paratriathletes also delivered five world titles as they began their journey to Rio 2016. This individual achievement is matched by the GE Great Britain Team’s success retaining their ITU Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championship title in Stockholm.

With major televised events a key part of British Triathlon’s sports marketing strategy – the relationship between Upsolut and British Triathlon to co-market rights to the sport and the major triathlon shop window events is a natural progression.

Zara Hyde Peters OBE, Chief Executive of British Triathlon said: “The relationship to date with Upsolut Sport has enabled successful delivery of an outstanding series of ITU World Triathlon Series events in Hyde Park. With the backing of a major sports marketing parent company, Lagardere; the extension of this agreement to include marketing of the sports rights is a natural progression of our partnership and one we hope will ensure triathlon’s profile continues to grow and thrive as a dynamic and popular sport in this country.”

Robert Püstow, Managing Director of Upsolut Sports UK said: “This is a unique opportunity to continue the success story of triathlon. Together with British Triathlon we are now in the position to deliver unique engagement opportunities across the sport, through participation, elite performance and event activation; and as 2013 is a landmark year for the sport, with London hosting the World Triathlon Grand Final, there has never been a more exciting time to be involved in triathlon.”