GME Electronics Extends CYCA Youth Sailing Academy Sponsorship

GME Electronics has renewed their sponsorship of the GME Elliott 6.0m, therapy one of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s Youth Sailing Academy training vessels for a further three years. 

With over 50 years’ experience in the marine and electronic business, allergy GME is regarded as the premium market leader of quality innovative electronic products.

Anthony Dunn, Director of Standard Communications/GME, commented on the deal:  “GME is delighted to continue to support the development and success of the CYCA Youth Sailing Academy. The development of sailing is foremost in the Australian sporting culture and resembles a parallel in our industry to produce world leading sailors and marine electronic products alike.

“On behalf of GME we wish the CYCA Youth Sailing Academy every success and look forward to closely watching and assisting the development and success of the next Australian champion sailors.”

Commodore Howard Piggott, added: “The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia prides itself on providing one of the leading youth sailing academies in Australia. Elliott sponsorship is vital to the ongoing maintenance of the training fleet and provides support for the many programs and regattas that the CYCA’s Youth Sailing Academy conducts.

“A new fleet of Elliott 7.0m boats will be launched in August next year to coincide with the 20 year anniversary of the foundation of the Youth Sailing Academy. A program of activities is currently being planned to mark this occasion.”

OfficeMax to Title Sponsor Hockey City Classic in Chicago

OfficeMax Incorporated, a leader in office supplies, technology and services, today announced that it is helping to “light the lamp” at Soldier Field this winter with title sponsorship of the Hockey City Classic in Chicago, the first outdoor college hockey doubleheader at Soldier Field on Feb. 17, 2013.

The OfficeMax Hockey City Classic is organized by Chicago-based sports and entertainment marketing agency Intersport in partnership with Soldier Field, the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Sports Commission.

On Feb. 17 when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish face off against Miami RedHawks, followed by the Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Wisconsin Badgers at approximately 3:30 p.m. CT. The OfficeMax Hockey City Classic will be the first outdoor game in the modern era for three of the four participating teams, Miami, Minnesota and Notre Dame.

OfficeMax has a strong presence in the Chicagoland area, serving local businesses and consumers through an integrated sales and customer service team, and more than 40 stores and two distribution facilities in the immediate region. OfficeMax multi-national headquarters are also located in Naperville.

“OfficeMax is pleased to sponsor the Hockey City Classic to bring collegiate hockey to a premier Chicago arena and winter excitement to the region,” said John Kenning, OfficeMax president of Contract. “We’re as much a member of the Chicagoland community as we are a business here, and we’re pleased to support an event that promises to both entertain and celebrate this great city.”

“It is an honor to have OfficeMax lend its strength to the Hockey City Classic as the title sponsor,” said Charlie Besser, Intersport president and CEO. “Building a great event for Chicago is good for business and OfficeMax is demonstrating great leadership.”

New Zealand Rugby Union Sign Major AIG Sponsorship

American International Group, apoplectic Inc. (AIG) and the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) announced today a five-and-a-half year agreement for AIG to sponsor six NZRU rugby teams: the All Blacks, Maori All Blacks, All Blacks Sevens, New Zealand Black Ferns (women’s fifteens), New Zealand Women’s Sevens, and New Zealand Under 20. 

“Prominently associating the AIG brand with the legendary All Blacks and the highly competitive and successful New Zealand Rugby Union teams, as well as passionate rugby fans around the world, represents a tremendous opportunity for AIG, the NZRU, and rugby,” said Bob Benmosche, AIG President and Chief Executive Officer. “The All Blacks’ winning tradition and reputation for tenacity, integrity, and performance reflect attributes in AIG’s own culture. We are extremely honored to be the All Blacks’ new front-of-jersey sponsor and excited by the benefits that come with the teaming of two world-class franchises. Together, AIG and the NZRU are a powerful global partnership, symbolizing strength and potential.”

“The AIG sponsorship is a game changer for rugby in New Zealand and will take New Zealand rugby to new heights around the world,” said Steve Tew, NZRU Chief Executive. “We need to ensure the game flourishes at the community level and upwards so that New Zealand can keep producing world champion teams and the best players in the world. A new logo on the All Blacks jersey is not a step we have taken lightly – we respect the rich and proud heritage of this extraordinary team, and carefully weighed the change. In the end, the AIG sponsorship is an unprecedented opportunity, and the best option to sustain the future of New Zealand rugby and grow the global game.”

The refreshed AIG logo will be prominently displayed in contrasting white on the historically black front of the jerseys and back of shorts for the four men’s teams, and front of the jerseys for the two women’s teams. The new jersey will be worn by the All Blacks Sevens for the first tournament of the 2012/13 HSBC Sevens World Series tournament on the Gold Coast in Australia, October 13, in a game against the United States Eagle 7s. On the All Blacks jersey, AIG’s logo is just under one third the size of the maximum allowed under International Rugby Board guidelines, in consideration of the historical significance of that jersey.

This sponsorship solidifies AIG’s commitment to the sport of rugby. On October 2, 2012, AIG announced that it had entered into an agreement to become the official front-of-jersey sponsor for USA Rugby’s men’s and women’s Junior and Collegiate All-American teams. AIG will also work with USA Rugby to grow its Rookie Rugby “Rugby in a Box” youth developmental program, an assertion of the company’s commitment to grow the sport at every level around the world.

Mr. Benmosche concluded: “Rugby is popular around the globe and growing rapidly in the United States, and the top rugby nations align with regions where AIG is strongly represented and is targeting growth.”

LifeProof Becomes Official Sponsor of Ironman Series

World Triathlon Corporation, denture owner of the IRONMAN Series, viagra usa the most prestigious event series in the sport of triathlon, today announced an official sponsorship with LifeProof, the award-winning maker of all-protective, everyday cases for smartphones and tablets. 

Under the sponsorship agreement, LifeProof will be an Official Sponsor of the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3  Series and will also sponsor swim caps for IRONMAN 70.3 races in the United States over the next three years.

LifeProof products are designed to give people more freedom from environmental constraints. Used by top triathletes like Andy Potts, LifeProof allows athletes, road warriors and outdoor adventurers to confidently take their mobile devices with them everywhere and do everything in any kind of weather. 

“We are excited to have LifeProof as a partner across IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 events,” said Erik Vervloet, Chief Marketing Officer of IRONMAN. “Our athletes are tough consumers; they test products to their limits. Our athletes are active and constantly on-the-go. LifeProof is the right partner to not only go with them, but also to keep up with their demands.”

LifeProof offers the first and only water proof, shock proof, dirt proof and snow proof iPhone, iPad and iPod touch cases that are sleek and slim and provides full access to all device functions. The LifeProof nüüd case for iPad 2 and iPad Gen 3 features a totally naked screen, providing uncompromised visual clarity and the ultimate touch experience while still providing full water, dirt, snow and shock protection.

“IronmaN is a natural fit for LifeProof. LifeProof cases can be used everywhere the athletes go — swim, bike, run — without worry since our case is water proof, dirt proof, snow proof and shock proof,” said Gary Rayner, founder and CEO of LifeProof. “Outside of training, these athletes are parents and business professionals who want to use their iPhone and iPad everywhere they go without worry of dropping it or spilling on it.”

Bell Canada Agrees Canadian Soccer Association Sponsorship

The Canadian Soccer Association has announced a long-term partnership agreement with Bell Canada that will spur the continued growth and popularity of Canada’s largest participatory sport for men and women, young and old.

Continuing the momentum from the recent success of Canada’s Women’s National Team at London 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for the Men’s National Team, Bell’s partnership provides the Canadian Soccer Association with strong financial and marketing support for Canada’s national teams and the sport across the country.

“We couldn’t ask for a better partner,” proclaimed Peter Montopoli, General Secretary of the Canadian Soccer Association. “Bell is one of Canada’s most recognized brands with a long history of supporting Olympic and amateur sports. We are excited that Bell will be more closely involved with the world’s most popular game which has seen unprecedented growth in popularity here in Canada.”

In addition to officially branding the training kits of all 12 Men’s and Women’s National Team Programs, Bell has committed to work closely with the Canadian Soccer Association to build a grassroots experiential program that will help young, female soccer players get closer to their national heroes while contributing to their physical and mental wellness.

“We see soccer as the ultimate participation sport and are excited to play a role in connecting aspiring athletes with their soccer heroes,” said Wade Oosterman, President of Bell Mobility and Residential Services and Bell’s Chief Brand Officer. “Through our commitment to delivering the best content across all screens, Canadian soccer fans will have even better access to their teams. With Bell, cheering for Canadian soccer just got better.”

Melissa Tancredi, Olympic bronze medallist and a veteran member of the Women’s National Team added, “All nationally-carded athletes have amazing support from Bell via the Athletes Connect phone program, but to wear the training kit proudly and to see what they are going to do for young, female soccer players, I couldn’t be more enthusiastic on our journey towards the next FIFA Women’s World Cup to be hosted here in Canada.”

“On behalf of the Canadian Olympic Committee, we want to congratulate the Canadian Soccer Association and Bell on forging this great partnership said Marcel Aubut, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “Bell has been a passionate supporter of amateur athletes and we are pleased that they will support a sport that brought so many Canadians such great national pride when they captured the bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics.”

As part of the agreement, all FIFA World Cup Qualifiers featuring Canada will be available live on Bell Mobile TV beginning with the October 12th match vs. Cuba and October 16th match vs. Honduras. Making this exciting content available on Bell superphones, smartphones and tablets means fans never need to miss a moment of the action when at home or on the go.

Bell’s logo will be featured on training kits and apparel used by all of Canada’s 12 Men’s and Women’s National Teams. Select training apparel will also be available for public purchase in 2013.

The Canadian Men’s National Team next plays Friday, October 12 at 7:30 pm against Cuba at BMO Field.

Dwyane Wade Introduces New Footwear Brand after Confirming Li-Ning Deal

China’s leading sportswear company, LI-NING confirmed that NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade, has signed a new partnership with the brand to create a new athletic footwear and apparel brand called WADE, which will serve as the centerpiece of the corporation’s growing international basketball strategy.

Mr. Li Ning and Wade announced the multi-year partnership at a press conference earlier today in Beijing. Elements will include a signature line of adult apparel and footwear, available soon at LI-NING retail stores and online throughout China, and set to debut in the United States in 2013. 

The unique partnership will seek to connect Wade’s renowned methods of style, training, and personal growth with LI-NING’s values of dream, inspiration and enterprise. It will draw upon the similar business and athletic philosophies upheld by Wade and Mr. Li Ning, a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist in Gymnastics in 1984, and the final torchbearer, who lit the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games cauldron in one of the most memorable moments ever during an Olympic Opening Ceremony.

“I am so proud to welcome Dwyane Wade to the LI-NING family,” said Li Ning, Founder of LI-NING Company. “Dwyane is a superstar for his athletic achievements, and also for the way he carries himself on and off the NBA court. I have come to understand what motivates him, what he cares about, and the personal and professional path he wants to take in the coming years. There are remarkable similarities between Dwyane and myself in this regard, and I could not be more excited about developing a brand with him that speaks to those shared views. At the same time, the WADE brand will deliver the high quality and performance characteristics consumers have come to expect of our Company.”

Wade will serve in an official capacity as Chief Brand Officer, and be responsible for guiding the creative direction of all WADE products. He will work with LI-NING’s WADE leadership team to spearhead the global marketing strategies and initiatives aimed to build brand awareness in the United States and China. Wade will provide significant input and approval license of all future endorsers for the WADE brand, and be instrumental in selecting the athletes he feels best embody the presence, perspective and personality of the brand.

“I first visited China in 2008, when I competed in the Beijing Olympics, and was deeply moved by the country’s genuine passion for basketball,” said Wade. “I have been blessed with an opportunity to make an impact on the game in the United States, and I look forward to now being active with the sport on a more global level. I am honored to join forces with LI-NING and grow the game, beginning in China, which is home to more basketball players – 200 million – than any other country in the world.”

Prior to the official launch of his signature shoe, Wade will wear two specially-created, high performance LI-NING-branded basketball sneakers during upcoming Miami HEAT games, including two pre-season games to be played later this week in Beijing and Shanghai against the Los Angeles Clippers. Shoes from the first two preseason games will be held for auction in China.

The Company also has plans to launch a WADE kids footwear and apparel line in the future. The natural pairing of philosophies will be told through a comprehensive marketing campaign of upcoming TV spots and other extensions.

The agreement with LI-NING Company was brokered by CAA Sports, a division of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world’s leading entertainment and sports agency, on behalf of its client, Wade.

Aviva Confirms End to UK Athletics Sponsorship

Insurance giant, Aviva has confirmed it will end its sponsorship of UK Athletics (UKA) after 13 years.

iSportconnect earlier this month reported Aviva were unlikely to renew their sponsorship due to UK Athletics new sponsorship model which now targets a number of sponsors instead of one major backer. The company has now confirmed this with their contract with UKA set to end at the end of 2012.

The partnership between Aviva and UKA spanned all levels of athletics and involved millions of pounds of investment over the years.

Aviva’s chief marketing officer, Amanda Mackenzie, said: “We will have had 13 great years with UK Athletics and it has been a fantastic partnership.

“The support we’ve given has helped athletes such as Jessica Ennis and Jonnie Peacock reach the very top of their sport, with stellar performances in London over the summer.

“The sponsorship has also enabled us to build awareness of the Aviva brand among the millions of sporting fans across the UK and we feel now is the right time to pass on the baton to another organisation. It will no doubt prove as successful for them as it has for us.”

UKA’s chief executive, Niels de Vos, added: “Aviva has been a superb partner for UK Athletics for 13 years. Without their support over these past years, there is no doubt that athletics would not find itself in the robust good health that it does – as the country’s number one Olympic and Paralympic sport with a vibrant commercial programme of televised events and activities from the school playground to elite preparation camps.”

Swix Get Title Sponsorship Rights to Ski Classics from 2013

Norwegian sports brand Swix has announced that it is the new title sponsor of Ski Classics, unhealthy the long distance ski championship, which is now called Swix Ski Classics starting in 2013.

Swix Ski Classics consisting of six of the most prestigious ski events in the world: Jizerská Padesatká in Czech Republic, Marcialonga in Italy, König Ludwig Lauf in Germany, Vasaloppet in Sweden, Birkebeinerrennet in Norway and the Swix Ski Classics Final in Sweden (venue to be announces shortly), all 50 km or more and open for professional as well as amateur skiers.

The interest in long distance skiing is growing continuously and many of the races in Europe are fully booked just a few days after the registration begins. 

Swix Ski Classics is broadcasted on TV in several countries and many professional skiers have transferred from World Cup skiing to long distance races.

“The Swix Ski Classics is an impressive initiative from the key players in cross country skiing to build an exciting new platform for long distance cross country racing. This will grow the cross country skiing industry and we want to be a part of this,” said Ulf Bjerknes, CEO of Swix Sport Group.

“Swix is prestigious and traditional, but yet innovative and creative at the same time. This agreement will for sure develop Ski Classics and I can hardly wait to get started with this season’s first Swix Ski Classics race Jizerská Padesatká in the Czech Republic,” said David Nilsson, CEO of Ski Classics AB.

Anritsu Sponsor’s 2012 Frys.com Open

The 2012 Frys.com Open, a PGA TOUR tournament has acquired a new corporate sponsor in the form of the Anritsu Company.

The tournament to be held at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. part of the PGA TOUR’s Fall Series, begins on Thursday, October 11, with the Final rounds on Sunday, October 14. Some of golf’s top tour players, including Ernie Els, Davis Love III, John Daly, and defending champion Bryce Molder, are scheduled to compete for the $5 million purse.

“Anritsu is proud to serve as a sponsor of the Frys.com Open for a third consecutive year. We had an extremely positive experience working with the tournament in the last two years and share its commitment to Silicon Valley. Anritsu is active in the community and will continue to institute our own initiatives complemented by our support of other organizations such as the Frys.com Open,” said Donn Mulder, Anritsu Senior VP and General Manager of the Microwave Measurements Division.

This is the seventh year of the Frys.com Open, which was established, in part, to make a significant impact on the community through charitable donations. In the last seven years, the Frys.com Open has raised more than $4 million for charity. In 2011, more than $1 million was donated to organizations.

Proceeds from the 2012 tournament will benefit the American Institute of Mathematics (AIM), a non-profit organization in Palo Alto, CA. Additional proceeds will be awarded to several deserving charities, including The First Tee of Silicon Valley, NCGA Foundation, American Heart Association, Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, and Special Olympics of Northern California.

Anritsu Company is the American subsidiary of Anritsu Corporation, a global provider of innovative communications test and measurement solutions for more than 110 years.

Paris Saint-Germain Keeper Salvatore Sirigu Inks New Reusch Sponsorship

Reusch has agreed a long term sponsorship extension with Salvatore Sirigu, therapy 25 year old Italian native goalkeeper of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and goalkeeper of the Italian national team squad.

Salvatore will exclusively wear the Keon Ltd glove until December 2012 and switch to the new Reusch Argos line shortly before Christmas in League 1, patient in the Champions League and in any other game for the coming year.

Sirigu said: “I am very pleased about this contract extension, I have had the possibility over the last two years to judge product, developments and services of Reusch really carefully and I trust Reusch fully. Extending this agreement I know I put myself in the right hands.”