Atos, the leading international information technology corporation, has been revealed as an Official Supporter of Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Business technologists at Atos will now be responsible for delivering critical applications and services essential to the successful staging of the Glasgow 2014.

These include a range of Games management systems and Games information systems which will leverage the corporation’s experience spanning over two decades of Olympic and Paralympic Games, including London 2012 and other major events worldwide.

Atos were announced as the fourth Official Supporter of Glasgow 2014 at a special event at the city’s Scotstoun Stadium which was attended by Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, England’s Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist Steve Cram and athletes from the Scottish netball and hockey teams.

“As well as bringing a major international sporting event to Scotland, hosting the Commonwealth Games is a tremendous opportunity to put Scotland on the road to a healthier and more successful future,” said Sturgeon.

“This latest supporter deal, the fourth to be announced, is great news and will ensure the IT at Glasgow 2014 is amongst the best in the world.

“The confirmation that this is the first Olympic and Paralympic Partner to come on board as an Official Supporter of Glasgow 2014 is also a significant step forward for the Games, and its support, alongside that of the other sponsors, will help to ensure that we see a fantastic Games in Glasgow, delivered on time and on budget.”

Atos employ 1,500 people in Scotland, with offices across the country including Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Linwood and Livingston.

Globally, Atos employ a total of 74,000 people across 42 countries and are one of only three Worldwide Partners for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The technology provided by Atos at Glasgow 2014 will be used to accredit up to 70,000 Games participants including athletes, officials, workforce, volunteers, media and sponsors.

It will also be used to provide systems to facilitate the recruitment and management of volunteers as well as the Games information system which will instantly relay results, athlete information, competition schedules, medal tables and sports records to accredited media, sports officials and the Glasgow 2014 website.

Gavin Thomson, the senior vice president at Atos Scotland, said: “Atos is absolutely delighted to be an Official Supporter of the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee providing Games Management Systems and Games Information Systems.

“As worldwide IT Partner for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Atos will be transferring knowledge and expertise gained from previous Games including London 2012 and other major events, to the benefit of Glasgow 2014.

“We are proud of what our business technologists deliver for all our clients in Scotland across a wide range of business sectors. We are passionate about delivering our world class solution from Scotland to the world stage.”

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg added: “We are delighted that Atos has joined us as an Official Supporter, and proud to have secured our first Olympic and Paralympic Partner for Glasgow 2014,” he said.

“Atos continues to demonstrate a commitment to sport and Para-sport, and their track record in providing world class systems for a number of multi-sport Games, including London 2012, demonstrates their passion and capability to help Glasgow 2014 deliver an outstanding athlete centred and sport focused Games.”

by Ismail Uddin

FAS Lane Racing has announced that TMone has increased their sponsorship involvement with the team’s No. 32 entry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and has serveed as Primary Sponsor for last weekend’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The leading Inside Sales Company, impotent headquartered in Iowa City, IA will feature their “We Drive Sales” program on the No. 32 TMone Ford piloted by NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader in the running of the Food City 500 this Sunday. It will also feature the State outlines of South Dakota and Iowa, which represent the locations of the customer contact centers TMone uses to support its Fortune 500 clients.

“TMone has been with us each week so far this season and to have them increase their involvement and become a Primary Sponsor on our FAS Lane Racing Ford is a great testament to their belief in this team and the sport of NASCAR,” stated FAS Lane Racing team owner Frank Stoddard. “The team is off to a solid start to the season and Bristol is always a fun one to have come up on the schedule.”

The FAS Lane Racing team is coming off a west coast swing that saw them put together solid runs at Phoenix and last week in Las Vegas. Ken Schrader will be behind the wheel of the No. 32 Ford for the second week in a row and will be making his 48th career Sprint Cup Series start at the “World Fastest Half Mile” in Bristol, TN.

John Burchert, TMone’s COO, said: “We are very proud to have our name on a car driven by Ken Schrader; how can you not like that guy? We Drive Sales along with our Twitter handle @TMone covers the car head to toe, top to bottom. It’s a very sharp car.”

The running of the Food City 500 will air nationwide on FOX from Bristol Motor Speedway Sunday, March 18th with coverage beginning at 12:30 p.m. EST.

by Ismail Uddin

The Pacific Street Car Association (PSCA) have announced that Ford Racing will continue its partnership with the Las Vegas-based sanction, remedy sponsoring the Mustang Maddness class.

Ford Racing will also be a PSCA contingency sponsor for the 2012 season, allergist its sixth year as a marketing partner.

“Ford Racing is happy continue our support of the PSCA through their contingency program and the Mustang Maddness class,” said Jesse Kershaw, drag racing parts and competition manager for Ford Racing. “Since its inception the class has continued to grow and offers the Ford owner an excellent opportunity to customize their Mustang with Ford Racing performance parts and see the results on track.”

Ford Racing will post contingency cash awards for all 16 PSCA classes, including BOSS Blocks, for every PCSA event, including the Street Car Super Nationals, in 2012. Ford Racing also sponsors the season-opening Ford Racing RecordBreakerNationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

PSCA President Mel Roth, said: “With their win at the Daytona 500, their sweep of the NHRA Full Throttle Series Funny Car races this year, and their NASCAR Nationwide Series win last weekend here in our backyard, Ford Racing is the epitome of racing perfection. It’s an honor for us to be able to continue our affiliation with the Ford Racing brand. The PSCA, our racers, and our fans appreciate their continued support.”

The next PSCA race is April 27-29 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

by Ismail Uddin

Finnish Formula 1 driver and closet Angry Birds enthusiast Heikki Kovalainen is going public with his love for the Rovio game by agreeing a new sponsorship and co-branding deal with the gaming company. 

The highlight of this new agreement is that Heikki’s helmet will be redesigned to make him look like a peeved red-feathered avian, which first will be seen starting at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.

There’s more to come, as well, since Heikki and Rovio are planning to sell related merchandise and also introduce a web game in the summer, which will feature “fun Angry Birds game levels with a racing theme in addition to other bespoke content.”

by Ismail Uddin

The New York Knickerbockers (Knicks) and Acer announced a new first-time marketing partnership for the remainder of the 2011-12 season.

Acer, cialis whose global headquarters are in Taiwan, generic will be an Official Partner of the Knicks and promote the company’s personal computers.

“We are proud to welcome Acer as a new marketing partner of the Knicks for this season, apoplectic ” said Scott O’Neil, president, MSG Sports. “This marks the second company based in Greater China in the past month to see value in partnering with Madison Square Garden and the Knicks to help drive brand exposure in New York and beyond.”

“Acer has a long history of sports marketing. Basketball, like any other sport, is associated with a positive image and values that are shared with Acer. We are very glad to be partners with the New York Knicks,” said J.T Wang, chairman and CEO of Acer Inc.

As part of the marketing partnership, Acer branding will be featured on the pad position near the courtside signage on the Knicks bench side. This will provide prominent exposure for the Acer brand to both the nearly 20,000 spectators at Madison Square Garden and fans watching on TV and online around the globe.

Since the beginning of February heightened interest in the Knicks has driven record numbers for the team across multiple platforms, including website traffic and social media growth, TV ratings on MSG Network, merchandise sales, and home games at Madison Square Garden this season have all been sold out.

by Ismail Uddin

Bojangles’ today announced its title sponsorship of South Carolina’s only NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

The race will start at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, in its traditional spot on Mother’s Day weekend.

The sponsorship agreement allows Bojangles’ to serve its delicious Chicken Supremes(TM), Cajun Filet Sandwich, Seasoned Fries(TM) and Legendary Iced Tea at Darlington Raceway. This Bojangles’ menu will also be served at four other tracks owned and operated by International Speedway Corp.: Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Motor Speedway, Martinsville Raceway and Richmond International Raceway.

Bojangles’ President and CEO Randy Kibler, said: “Just like Bojangles’ famous chicken and biscuits, NASCAR is deeply rooted in the culture of the South. We are honored to be sponsoring the only NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in South Carolina, where we have been in business for more than 30 years and operate 110 of our more than 500 restaurants. And we’re equally excited to be able to provide our flavorful menu items to avid race fans, many of whom are already loyal Bojangles’ fans, while they’re enjoying their racing experience.”

Bojangles’ agreement with ISC is a five-year deal with options to extend the relationship for additional years. Other terms were not disclosed.

“Everyone at Darlington Raceway is extremely excited about this new long-term partnership with Bojangles’,” said Raceway President Chris Browning. “Darlington Raceway and Bojangles’ are two very recognizable Southern brands, and this relationship will be a tremendous opportunity for us to develop unique marketing programs and promotional opportunities that will benefit their customers and our race fans. During our negotiations it was very obvious that the team at Bojangles’ recognized and respected the significance of the Southern 500. I can already see we are going to do some great things together.”

by Ismail Uddin

Budweiser and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) have announced that the iconic beer brand is extending its exclusive malt beverage sponsorship with USOC and Team USA through 2016.

Budweiser’s partnership with the USOC spans nearly three decades and includes 14 Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games. Budweiser has been an Olympic supporter since 1984 when the brand served as the official beer sponsor of the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games.

“This is great news for Team USA, arthritis ” said Scott Blackmun, pharmacy chief executive officer of the USOC. “Budweiser has a long history with us, physician and we are grateful for their continued support of our U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Budweiser’s commitment will allow our athletes to compete to the very best of their ability, and that is what the Olympic Movement is all about.”

In line with previous commitments, Budweiser will continue to support its USOC sponsorship with significant media buys on NBC and affiliated networks during the Olympic Games. Additionally, Budweiser will receive entitlement of the Bud Deck at the London USA House, a private facility that hosts members of the USOC, the U.S. Olympic Team, corporate partners, sponsors, suppliers and licensees.

“Team USA athletes define commitment to excellence and we are proud to show our support for them as they represent the United States in competition.” said Rob McCarthy, vice president, Budweiser. “With the London 2012 Games only months away, Budweiser will join all Americans in celebrating the success of Team USA.”

Budweiser will also be featuring five U.S. Olympic hopefuls – Tony Azevedo, water polo; Jordan Burroughs, wrestling; Hyleas Fountain and Leo Manzano, track & field; and Sarah Groff, triathlon – on point-of-sale retail materials and will introduce a limited edition Olympic-themed 16 oz. aluminum bottle in June.

In addition to the USOC partnership, Budweiser is the official beer sponsor of the U.S. Soccer Federation and the U.S. Ski and Snowboarding teams. The beer brand will also sponsor the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for diving in Federal Way, Wash., from June 17-24; swimming in Omaha, Neb., from June 25-July 2, and gymnastics in San Jose, Calif., from June 28-July 1.

by Ismail Uddin

Yokohama Tire Corporation have agreed a new three-year sponsorship renewal with the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA).

The agreement retains Yokohama’s eco-friendly, adiposity | orange oil-infused ADVAN ENV-R2 race slicks as the official tire of the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama through the 2015 season. 

The announcement was made Thursday in Sebring, Florida, at the season opener for the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama series. All Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars in the popular 15-race series will be competing on the revolutionary racing slick that combines orange oil and natural rubber to improve performance characteristics in the tire while using renewable materials. Yokohama’s ENV-R2 is the first – and only – environmentally-friendly tire used in a racing series.

“The IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama is an excellent platform to showcase our product, especially when it comes to green racing,” said Andrew Briggs, Yokohama’s director of product planning and motorsports. “IMSA, like Yokohama, has been a champion of eco-friendly initiatives for years and have embraced creative ways to bring that consciousness to motorsports. We’ve been a partner with GT3 Cup Challenge for four consecutive seasons, and couldn’t be happier with this renewal.”

“IMSA has recognized Yokohama as an innovative company for many years, and they have a rich history in sports car racing in the United States,” said Scot Elkins, COO of IMSA and the American Le Mans Series. “They have fully embraced our initiative to be the global leader in green racing and the ENV-R2 race slick is a testament to Yokohama’s commitment to that mission.” 

“The ENV-R2, which we will also campaign in the GTC Class of the American Le Mans Series in 2012, has been a tremendous success,” said Briggs. “It has surpassed all driver expectations from a performance standpoint.”

by Ismail Uddin

Team Pro-Motion Sportbike Club has announced their 2012 sponsorship of AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Supersport racer, No. 21 Elena Meyers.

From Discovery Bay, Calif., Elena Meyers is the first woman to win an AMA Pro race, taking the checkered flag at Infineon Raceway as a 16-year-old rookie in 2010. In the 2011 season, Elena finished fifth AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com SuperSport West division, with five finishes in the top five, overall. Now 18, this year will be her 3rd season as a professional racer with backing from Team Pro-Motion. Team Pro-Motion is again backing Elena’s SportbikeTrackGear.com Suzuki race team; in turn, Elena will be running Team Pro-Motion decals on the livery for her 2012 Suzuki GSXR 600, and may ride and coach at select Team Pro-Motion events.

“It’s the third year working with Glen and Team Pro-Motion,” gushes Myers. “Being backed by them is super cool and I really appreciate their support! They run a great trackday program; I’m really excited to be representing them this year. I’m looking forward to a good season and representing them well!

Glen Goldman, Team Pro-Motion’s president, added: “I’m proud to support Elena and it is exciting for me to see her progress as a racer. She is such an inspiration to young girls and women, including my daughter, Izzi, who hopes to follow in her footsteps one day. Elena is such a tremendous ambassador for our sport and we’re looking forward to a fantastic year with her!”

by Ismail Uddin

Athleta, the women’s sports and active lifestyle apparel brand owned by Gap Inc., announced its official 2012 sponsorship of the USA Women’s Water Polo Team.

Starting now through the rest of the year, the brand will provide the team with dry-land workout and active lifestyle apparel to help ensure the team is well equipped with high quality, technical athletic wear as they prepare for the London 2012 Olympic Games and beyond.

The partnership kicks off with a celebratory event tonight at the Athleta store at The Grove in Los Angeles. The entire USA Women’s Water Polo Team, captained by the most decorated athlete in the world of women’s water polo, Brenda Villa, will make a public appearance where fans can meet the women and share their personal best wishes for a triumphant Olympics.

“We at Athleta are inspired by the remarkable things women can do when they come together as a team,” said Tess Roering, Vice President of Marketing for Athleta. “Athleta is committed to celebrating women and their amazing capacity, and we are honored to be supporting the USA Women’s Water Polo Team, a group that truly embodies what it means to achieve your personal and athletic goals while always reaching for more.”

The USA Women’s Water Polo Team is made up of 17 women – between them they have 12 Olympic medals, 16 World Championship titles and 85 years of experience. Behind all of these statistics are the stories that have made these women who they are today. In addition to providing workout and active lifestyle apparel to the team, through their sponsorship, Athleta will be telling the players’ inspiring stories through blogs, online profiles, store events as well as hosting team fundraisers.

“When the Olympics begin, we know our customers will be glued to their T.V.s to watch the festivities and cheer on their favorite athletes,” Roering continued. “Through this partnership, we hope to bring awareness to the amazing stories each USA Women’s Water Polo Team member has to tell and inspire our customers to do things they might not have thought they could do.”

The USA Women’s Water Polo Team qualified for the Olympic Games when they won gold at the Pan Am Games in Mexico last October. Since then, they have been training hard to prepare for this momentous event in their lives.

Jennifer Rottenberg, Chief Marketing Officer for USA Water Polo, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Athleta during such an important time for the team. In order for the women to perform and train to the best of their ability, they need sportswear that can withstand the toughest of workouts. We’ve found that Athleta’s products perform to the highest athletic standards, and we love that the apparel is designed by and for female athletes.”

Athleta offers premium women’s active lifestyle apparel for yoga, running, gym, hiking and skiing as well as an array of other products for both athletic and everyday pursuits.

by Ismail Uddin