QNB Group, medic the leading financial institution in Qatar and the MENA region, signed an agreement with the Qatar Football Association to sponsor the key championships for the next three years.

The agreement, singed by HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of Qatar Football Association and Qatar Stars League and Mr. Ali Shareef Al Emadi, the Chief Executive Officer of QNB Group entitles QNB to act as the strategic sponsor for the Qatar National football team and HH Emir Cup, HH Heir Apparent Cup, and the official sponsor of Sheikh Jassim Cup, and Qatar stars League as well as the exclusive sponsor of Qatar Stars Cup.

Mr. Ali Shareef Al Emadi, said that the sponsorship is part of the Group’s policy and commitment of the to support the country in all the local sports events and tournaments. QNB hopes to motivate the team to reach International levels, “We always strive to achieve Qatar’s ultimate goal through sports association”, he added.

He also said, that the achievements of the Football Association over the past years have attracted the attention of sports communities locally and internationally. This is the primary motivation for the bank to provide the support needed to achieve their global goals.

QNB is keen to strengthen its presence in all major events related to the Qatari football, by involving its staff in various football and sports activities.

Nike, here Hurley and Converse have decided against extending their sponsorship of the US Open of Surfing in 2013, ask creating an uncertain future for what would be one of the world’s largest surf festivals next year.

When Hurley took over title sponsorship of the massive event in 2009, later assumed by parent company Nike, the whole scene on the south side of the pier was reinvented. The top surfers – most of whom had passed on Huntington’s lackluster summer waves for years – once again showed up. More was at stake, with bigger prize money offered. The crowds came down in masses, nearly 1 million in nine days the last week of July and first week of August, with offerings such as free beach concerts from big-name bands like Weezer and MGMT.

Hurley, Senior Vice President of Marketing Evan Slater: said: “But we also strive to constantly innovate and evolve. For us, we’ve decided to export what we created at the U.S. Open and invest it into other aspects of our business, like a renewed athlete focus and new and exciting ways of connecting with millions of kids.”

Among the successes of the US Open was raising the level of surfing. In 2008, before the brands took over, only five of the 44 world’s top surfers attended the event. In 2012, 30 of the top 32 competed.

“We try to make the experience fun for them and give them the world-class athlete treatment they deserve. In turn, that makes it better for everyone. The athletes are happier. They perform better. They interact with the massive audience more. People become more excited to attend and participate in all aspects of the event. It’s all interconnected,” Slater wrote.

When asked whether the event’s near-tipping point came into the discussions of discontinuing sponsorship, Slater said that crowd management is something they accepted going into a large-scale event like the US Open, and wasn’t one of the factors considered when pulling out.

The brands will continue with the Australian Open of Surfing, which they sponsored for the first time last year.

“We love the Australian Open and plan on continuing with the event in the future – tons of potential there.”

Owner of IMG James Leitz – the company that owns the US Open – did not return calls for comment.

Slater said he hopes the Hurley brand will continue its relationship with Huntington Beach, and that the U.S. Open will continue to thrive.

“We have been and always will be a Huntington Beach brand. Our relationship with the city goes much deeper than the US Open, and we will continue to support and work with it in many different ways,” he wrote. “We were honored to be a part of such an amazing event for the past four years – in our own back yard, no less – and look forward to seeing another brand pick it up from here and keep it amazing.”

Qatar Petroleum (QP) extended its association with the Qatar Arabian World Cup by signing the sponsorship for another year with Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) on Tuesday, erectile 25 September 2012.

QP’s Administration Section Acting Head, impotent Mohamed Rashid Ali Al Khater, pill and QREC Chairman, HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faleh Tl Thani, signed the sponsorship contract at the QREC headquarters. Also present on the occasion were QP’s Protocol Head Hassan Mohamed Al Ajmi, QREC General Manager Sami Jassim al Boenain, QREC Public Relations Head, Mohammed Salem Al Abdulla, and QREC Head of Media Section, Saad Mubarak Al Hajri.

This is the fifth year in a row that QP has been the major sponsor of the Qatar Arabian World Cup, which will take place during the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend at the famed Longchamp Racecourse in Paris on October 7.

Mohammed Rashid said QP, under the leadership of HE Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al Sada,  the Minister of Energy and Industry, is proud to join hands with QREC for another edition of the prestigious Qatar Arabian World Cup.

“This is the fifth time that we’ve participating in the Qatar Arabian World Cup with QREC. It is a great privilege for us to be part of this prestigious event in horse racing,” said Mohammed Rashid.

“Each year, the event is getting bigger and more popular. So we’ve decided to increase our stake in this event. One of the most important factors for our association with this event is that Qatar is involved in this championship,” added the QP official.

QREC Chairman, HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faleh Al Thani said: “QREC and I thank Qatar Petroleum heartily for its continued support. Without it, we won’t have got the status that we’ve achieved today. We’re also proud to have QP with us for this important race for Qatari and international Arabian horses.”

“QREC always values and appreciates alliances like the one we have with QP. As QP has increased its sponsorship this year, we’ve raised the prize money for the race from 450,000 Euros to 700,000 Euros. I’m sure the race is going to be more thrilling than the editions of the past seasons.”

QREC General Manager, Sami Al Boenain said the Qatar Arabian World Cup 2012 would be an absolute high-voltage contest with no horse being favourite. For the last three years, Qatari horses have been dominating the event. General clinched the top honours twice and Areej emerged the winner in the 2011 edition.

“It is likely to be an exciting race with more than six horses having the potential to win the top purse. As it always happens, there are bumper entries for this event and the handicap system has been applied to have only 20 horses in the contest,” said Al Boenain.

Al Boenain also urged QP to continue its backing to the event till 2022. “I’ll request the QP authorities to extend its support to the event up to 2022, which is going to be a big year for Qatar  when it will host the FIFA World Cup. It will also be a big boost to the Qatari purebred Arabian horses in terms of development”, added QREC General Manager.

The Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC) have announced a official sponsorship agreement with Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, for Team Abu Dhabi’s entire marine sports teams.

This agreement will cover various forms of marine sports and has been agreed under the guidance of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, chairman of the board of directors of the ADIMSC and advisor to His Highness the Head of State, to create harmony between the various institutions to support Abu Dhabi as a tourist destination and sporting capital of the region.

“The partnership with Etihad Airways is the result of positive co-operation between Government and private institutions, especially as we strive together for the common goal of a national vision for the emirate of Abu Dhabi,” said Ahmed Habroush Rumaithi, board member at the ADIMSC.

“We are very confident that the global identity for Team Abu Dhabi contributed to attracting sponsors and Government institutions as potential partners to achieve notoriety and to be able to promote the capital Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. We are sure that Etihad Airways will always be on hand to support our international activities, especially as we are both working in tandem with the same goal and objectives of promoting Abu Dhabi to a global audience. We have entered a new phase whereby institutions like Etihad Airways and Team Abu Dhabi are working together in pursuit of their goals and combining this with the strategy of the Government to bridge the gap between institutions to achieve those goals,” Rumaithi added.

Rumaithi stressed that the tie-in will further bolster Team Abu Dhabi’s improvement and creativity in marine sports and goes hand-in-hand with the support the team already receives from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Etihad Airways first supported Team Abu Dhabi at the Gabon Grand Prix, round two of the UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship in the summer.

Hareb Mubarak Al-Muhairi, vice-president for sales and commercial affairs at Etihad Airways, added: “The support offered by Etihad Airways for Team Abu Dhabi falls perfectly within the directives of the airline in terms of interaction between social events and sport.

“In return we will jointly be able to promote the emirate globally. The ADIMSC organises the most prestigious marine sports competitions in the world and this fits in perfectly with the strategy of Etihad Airways. Therefore, the sponsorship of Team Abu Dhabi emerged from the importance of being associated with one of the most important and successful teams in its field.”

Precision Goalkeeping gloves have invaded the Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division in recent months.

The brand is the fastest growing goalkeeping brand in the market and 50 per cent of Ireland’s Premier Division Goalkeepers wear the gloves.

David Sanderson, symptoms Brand and Marketing Director at Precision Goalkeeping, sickness said; “We are delighted to have made such a big hit with the goalkeepers in Ireland.

“The rapid expansion of the brand has been unbelievable given that we only launched the gloves in 2010.

Precision Goalkeeping now has an impressive ensemble of keepers that includes Kasper Schmeichel, Kieren Westwood, Frank Fielding, Brian Jensen and Republic of Ireland goalkeeping coach and former International Alan Kelly.

Britannia International, part of The Co-operative Banking Group, has announced a sponsorship agreement with the Isle of Man Swimming Association (IOMSA).

The IOMSA is keen to bring on swimmers at an earlier stage and, to that end, the funds will be used to create the Britannia International Development Squad. 

Sarah Jarvis, of Britannia International’s marketing team, said: “As part of our commitment to supporting the local community on the Isle of Man – particularly activities which inspire and encourage young people – we feel that sponsoring the IOM Swimming Association is a brilliant fit.  Following an amazing summer of Olympic and Paralympic sport, it would be great to see some more Manx names in the medals tables in future Games.  Britannia International is very happy to support the IOMSA, as it has an objective to offer opportunities to all youngsters, including those with special needs or physical disabilities.”

Clive Parrish, Chairman of the IOMSA, added: “We are so grateful to Britannia International for its support.  We recently appointed Lee Holland as full-time Head Coach, and he is already making his mark upon our approach to training: Lee was a British Junior international swimmer and uses that experience to motivate our swimmers.  He has even got more of our kids out of the water to work on their fitness in the gym – and they’re loving it!  The sponsorship from Britannia International means that we can extend coaching to a younger age group of Club swimmers, getting them involved with the IOMSA at an earlier stage. Sponsorship funds will go towards some of the kit costs and travel costs of the Isle of Man’s most promising young swimmers.”

Als Hauptsponsor des Großen Preises hat sich Solartechnik Stiens in Hannover längst einen Namen gemacht. Jetzt kommt das Unternehmen aus Kaufungen auch als Sponsor der DKB-Riders Tour und eines eigenen Springreiter Cups nach Hannover zu den GERMAN CLASSICS vom 25. bis 28. Oktober zurück.

Mit dem Start in die Springsportserie wurde der Solartechnik Stiens Nordcup aufgelegt. Eine Offerte an die Springreiter und -reiterinnen aus Vereinen in Niedersachsen, medical Hamburg, buy Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen und Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Nur sie können im Nordcup Punkte sammeln und eine 1Peak Photovoltaikanlage gewinnen. Der Solartechnik Stiens Nordcup begann auch im Norden, beim internationalen Reitturnier VR Classics in Neumünster, machte auch beim Pferdefestival Redefin in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Station und folgt den Stationen der DKB-Riders Tour. Der beste norddeutsche Reiter im Solartechnik Stiens Grand Prix bekommt gemäß Platzierung Punkte und gewinnt den wertvollen Ehrenpreis von Solartechnik Stiens.

In Hannover geht es also beim Solartechnik Stiens Grand Prix für die Nordlichter auch um pure Energie aus der Sonne. Übrigens geht es bei der vorletzten Station der erstmals aufgelegten Sonderwertung noch um mehr.

Der punktbeste norddeutsche Reiter gewinnt in München eine 5KWPeak Photovoltaikanlage. Damit kann man 4.300 bis 5.100 Kilowatt-Stunden Strom erzeugen – reicht für die Versorgung einer durchschnittlichen Familie….

Niedersachsens Reiterinnen und Reiter hielten sich bislang etwas zurück, aber das kann bei den GERMAN CLASSICS schon ganz anders aussehen. Die Punktewertung führt Torben Köhlbrandt an, der zwar in Ibbenbüren lebt, aber nach wie vor für seinen Heimatverein auf Fehmarn startet. Der Mann weiß worum es geht, schließlich ist die Ostseeinsel Deutschlands sonnenreichste….

New Wave Energy Corp., a Buffalo-based electric and natural gas supply company, has agreed a new sponsorship deal with Buffalo Sabres.

In its sponsorship arrangement with the Sabres’ front office, New Wave Energy will be the latest power company to affix its name to a National Hockey League Team. The New Wave arrangement will commence this season, in which the powerplay and the penalty box will garner the energy firm’s namesake.

“We cannot even begin to express our excitement to begin this endeavor with such an iconic and beloved Buffalo institution,” said Ryan Lilley, Vice President of Business Development at New Wave Energy Corporation. “We have developed a strong reputation and affinity for prosperity and economic growth in Buffalo, and we felt that with the emerging Canalside projects and the continuing improvements the Buffalo Sabres have made within their organization and throughout the community, that this was the perfect time to solidify a partnership with a team that means so much to our region and to us personally. This valued partnership will also allow us the opportunity to offer our discounted electricity services to a much wider audience of businesses and residencies throughout WNY and beyond. We could not be more proud.”

“The Buffalo Sabres are proud to partner with New Wave Energy for our electricity needs at First Niagara Center.  Our goal is to assist New Wave Energy with building their brand throughout the Western New York region,” said John Livsey, Sabres Vice President of Sales and Business Development.  “As the Power behind the Buffalo Sabres, New Wave Energy will present our fan base with special offers and promotions throughout the season.”  

New Wave Energy Corp., with headquarters in Buffalo, NY, is an approved New York State utility supplier. The company provides low-cost energy to more than 3,000 customers both commercially and residentially.

BMW has signed a new three-year commitment to sponsor the final event on The European Tour’s Race to Dubai, unhealthy DP World Tour Championship.

As Official Car Provider, hospital the sponsorship will be activated by AGMC, adiposity the BMW Group importer in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, who will supply 48 chauffeur-driven BMW 7 Series for the transportation of the players, a luxurious service that adds to the high-profile status of The Race to Dubai finale.

“At AGMC, we always aim to be at the forefront in offering exciting ways to promote our new BMW vehicles,” said Stathis I. Stathis, Managing Director, Al Batha Automotive Group, parent company of AGMC. “Through this sponsorship, an official fleet of the all-new BMW 7 Series will be used exclusively for the players who have qualified to play in the 2012 DP World Tour Championship. This will give them the opportunity to experience the same sheer driving pleasure that the BMW lovers and golfers enjoy through our ongoing collaboration with world-class golfing events”

A major supporter of The European Tour since 1989, BMW is the Official Car of The European Tour, Title Sponsor of the BMW PGA Championship, BMW Italian Open, the BMW International Open and the BMW Masters and a European Team Partner for The Ryder Cup.

“Golf is a sport that is in synergy with the BMW brand values of strategic thinking and aesthetic expression,” added Stathis. “Both the sport and BMW are exclusive, elegant and stylish – a perfect match for the brand’s premium character. BMW is synonymous with excellence and quality so our relationship with the DP World Tour Championship, the biggest golf event in the Middle East, fits perfectly with the brand’s sponsorship ideals.”

In addition to its role as a commercial partner with The European Tour, BMW also works closely with its brand ambassador Martin Kaymer, winner of The Race to Dubai in 2010 and a star name in the 60-man field for this year’s DP World Tour Championship.

“The European Tour enjoys a special relationship with BMW and we are delighted they are committed to the DP World Tour Championship for a further three years after being a key sponsor of the tournament since 2010,” said Nick Tarratt, European Tour International Director, Dubai Office.

“This new three-year deal maintains the company’s tradition of supporting golfing events here in the UAE and we are delighted to have their commitment through to 2014.”

The Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) have announced its new sponsorship agreement with Fiji’s international airline as it prepares for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup in Europe.

FNRL signed a sponsorship deal with Air Pacific which will be valid until next August. The $35,000 sponsorship will cater for the Fiji Bati team’s overseas travel and Air Pacific might acquire overseas camp provision and freight for FNRL as part of the sponsorship package.

Air Pacific’s manager for Fiji and Pacific Islands Josaia Rayawa said they were delighted to be associated with FNRL after a lapse of more than two years.

FNRL chairman Peni Musunamasi said it was a timely partnership as they build up to the 2013 RLWC.

“We are happy that this sponsorship has come in such opportune time as we prepare for the world cup. We have been partners with Air Pacific during the 2008 RLWC and we are glad that they are back in time for the next world cup,” Musunamasi said.