Scottish Hockey, the national governing body for hockey, has announced a new three year partnership with pure asset management group, Aberdeen Asset Management.

The deal, which runs until 2015, signifies the largest ever investment by a commercial partner in supporting the growth and development of hockey in Scotland.

The investment will primarily be used by Scottish Hockey to fund a number of qualified professional high performance coaches to work with selected domestic clubs. The aim is to increase the quality and standard of players, leading to stronger National League competitions in Scotland.

Lee Cousins, President of Scottish Hockey, said: “We’re delighted that Aberdeen Asset Management has entered into this new partnership with Scottish Hockey. We have been seeking a long-term sponsor with whom we can share joint objectives in the growth and development of the sport in Scotland.

“As a result of this investment in talent development from the grassroots, we hope to see future progress for Scottish club performances in elite level international competitions, including the European Hockey League [EHL].”

Additionally, funds from Aberdeen’s investment will be channelled into the Scottish Hockey’s ‘Women in Coaching’ programme, which has the objective of expanding the hockey workforce in Scotland by increasing the number of female coaches who are qualified at Level 2 and Level 3 to work in player development.

“We are proud to announce our long-term support for Scottish Hockey and are looking forward to the positive impact that Aberdeen’s involvement will have on the sport in Scotland,” commented Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management. Hockey is a fantastic team sport and we look forward to working with the national teams and league clubs to deliver the objectives of the sponsorship.

“We are particularly keen to expand the ‘Women in Coaching’ scheme, in order to encourage more women to get involved and stay involved with the sport.”

Robert Heatly, Chief Executive of Scottish Hockey, added: “If we can increase the standard of National League and Cup competitions in Scotland then we will have the foundations in place to market and promote hockey to new and existing audiences. Ideally, we want to stage events that regularly attract the interest of spectators and increase attendances, whilst generating greater media interest to escalate publicity and awareness of the sport.

“With the London Olympics almost upon us and the Commonwealth Games set for Glasgow in 2014, now is the ideal time for Scottish Hockey to use these major sporting events, of which hockey is an integral part, as a catalyst for a real step change in its development.”

by Ismail Uddin

Telecommunications company LIME have announced a major three-year sponsorship deal with 100m world champion Yohan Blake naming the athlete as its latest brand ambassador.

Under the deal Blake will be a major part of LIME’s 2012 London Olympic Games, as well as the company’s celebration of Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence.

Grace Silvera, LIME’s regional vice-president, would not disclose the value of the deal in which the 22-year-old from St James will join Jamaican sprint colleague Asafa Powell as a brand ambassador, but she added: “Both sides are very happy with the deal.”

Silvera in the meantime was pleased with the acquisition of Blake as a member of the LIME family, joining the likes of World Championships 100m bronze medallist Asafa Powell.

“Yohan represents the spirit, pride, tenacity and excellence that we want the younger athletes to aspire to as well. So when you lift up Yohan you invariably lift up those with him as role models for them to aspire towards that,” she stated.

As a LIME brand ambassador Blake will be expected to attend company events and be part of promotional activities. LIME will also provide telecommunications services for the athlete while he is travelling, especially during this year’s Olympic Games in the Untied Kingdom.

“So when Yohan goes off his friends and family will also be able to stay connected with him through LIME, so we facilitate telecommunications for him, his management and his team as well,” Silvera said.

LIME are making a $300,000 (£189,342/€226,818) donation to Blake’s charitable organisation, the YB Afraid Foundation.

The new arrangement, announced at St Jago High School in Spanish Town, which Blake attended, will see the sprinter playing a part in the company’s promotional events at the London 2012 Olympic Games as well as in their celebration of Jamaica’s 50th year of independence.

“I feel very special,” Blake said. 

“Coming back to my alma mater to let them see what I have achieved so young kids can look at this and say ‘OK, I can follow Yohan’s footsteps’.”

Speaking about his Foundation, Blake added: “I didn’t get born with a gold spoon in my mouth, so giving back to the community is great for me.”

by Ismail Uddin

British firm Stage 1 Technology (S1T) has agreed terms with the FIA to supply timing, tracking and results systems to the World Rally Championship for the remainder of the 2012 season.

This is the first major agreement for the World Rally Championship since the series promoter North One Sport went into administration last month.

Contracts were signed on Friday afternoon, with the new agreement starting from next month’s Rally Mexico (March 8-11) and maintaining a partnership which has been running since 2001.

“This is great news,” said Stage 1 Technology managing director Simon de Banke. “Everybody’s had quite a stressful start to the season, so to get this deal across the line in what is an exceptionally short space of time is a fair reflection on how much everybody wants it to work. I would like to pay tribute to the speed and ability with which everybody in the FIA has worked to expedite this. And for their foresight and support of the championship in taking the leadership to get our systems back online.”

The agreement has not only guaranteed the supply of the purpose-built WRC timing, results and tracking systems, but it also safeguards the 20 jobs of the dedicated and expert workforce of Stage 1 Technology and associated companies.

For the first time this season, S1T is providing timing to the millisecond for the qualifying and powerstage elements of the WRC.

Former world champion Petter Solberg had called for a quick agreement after running without complete coverage of the tracking system on the Monte Carlo Rally.

“This is about safety, it’s that simple,” said Solberg. “When we are going into the stage, we have to know that the teams know where we are going to be. We need the plane, the [S1T] system and we need the FIA to have the safety helicopter everywhere.

“We’ve been without this system for one rally and we can’t go back to that, this needs to stay now, for sure. It’s too much of a risk for the WRC to be without these kind of systems.”

S1T will return to business as usual on Rally Mexico next month.

by Ismail Uddin

The Miami Heat have secured a multi-year partnership with Peak Sport Products Co., drug Limited, ampoule a leading branded sports products company located in China.

The Peak Sport brand was established in 1989 and the company is a well-known pioneer in the sports product market in China.

“Our partnership with Peak Sport is a natural fit considering the Heat brand appeals to a growing Chinese market,” said Eric Woolworth, President of The Heat Group’s Business Operations. “Moreover, teaming up with Peak seems like the logical next step for our franchise considering the company has an existing relationship with our very own Shane Battier. We’re very happy to support and enhance that relationship, as well.”

In 2006, Peak Sports signed Battier, a 10-year NBA veteran, to an endorsement deal. Battier has since become a national icon in China.

“This new partnership between Peak and the Miami Heat has obvious synergy,” said Battier. “Both companies are exciting and dynamic, and I am proud to represent these two great brands.”

Peak Sport’s partnership with the Heat will consist primarily of camera visible signage including identification on the team’s pole pads as well as inventory on the digital courtside system. In addition, Peak Sport will sponsor an in-game feature, the Peak Performance Play of the Game, at select Heathome games.

“I am very pleased to announce our partnership with the Miami Heat, one of the elite teams in NBA,” said Xu Zhihua, CEO of Peak Sport Products Co., Limited. “I am confident this partnership will bring improvement to and growth in many aspects of our brand.”

by Ismail Uddin

NASCAR announced Monday that Florida-based Creative Recycling Systems, Inc. (CRS), a leader in the processing of end-of-life electronics, has become an Official NASCAR Green Partner.

CRS supplies small, mid-size and Fortune 100 companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions and concerned citizens with the best solutions for electronics reuse and recycling. By providing electronic asset disposition management, data security services and by utilizing state-of-the-art processing and separation technology, CRS prevents millions of pounds of electronics from entering the world’s landfills each year.

“By partnering with NASCAR we will be able to reach millions of concerned fans every week, fulfilling our mission of building awareness around the fastest growing waste stream in the world,” said CRS founder and CEO Jon Yob. “We have spent 18 years developing and utilizing the best available technology in the world to provide true solutions for the reuse and recycling of the gadgets we as a society have come to rely on.”

The Information Age has created a virtual tidal wave of electronics worldwide. Each year in the United States, just less than three million tons are made ready for end of life management, with residential households responsible for more than five times more computer products (by weight) than commercial establishments, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. However, 75 percent of these items end up going into landfill.

Jim O’Connell, NASCAR chief sales officer for NASCAR, said: “Creative Recycling offers the best end-of-life solution for the electronics our fans use. As our Green platform grows, so does the number of partners featuring sustainability components in their activation. Those partners are not only setting new benchmarks with sponsored initiatives across the sport, but they’re also doing their part by helping to educate our fans on the importance of sustainable behavior.”

NASCAR fans are more likely than non-fans to recycle and describe their households as green. They are also more likely to own electronics and be involved in purchasing decisions at work. Nearly two-thirds of NASCAR fans describe their household as very or somewhat green (Sources: Ipsos, 2011 NASCAR Brand Tracker and Experian Consumer Research – Simmons National Consumer Survey, Fall Full Year 2010).

According to research, 91 percent of NASCAR fans say they recycle items at least some of the time, compared to 87 percent for non-fans. Additionally, NASCAR fans are more likely than non-fans to say they plan to buy various mobile devices in the coming year (such as an iPhone, Blackberry, Android-powered phone or other mobile device), suggesting they will have millions of “old” electronic devices that can be recycled. (Sources: Ipsos, 2011 NASCAR Brand Tracker and Experian Consumer Research – Simmons National Consumer Survey, Fall Full Year 2010.)

Since its 2008 launch, NASCAR Green has focused on three key areas: waste, emissions and power. Aside from a host of new partners joining the effort with substantive programming, many track and team operators have launched their own programs in areas such as recycling, advancing land and energy conservation, and adopting alternative energy sources. 

“We’re proud to welcome Creative Recycling as an Official NASCAR Green Partner and to join them in the effort to productively and profitably reprocess and reuse electronic products,” said Dr. Michael Lynch, NASCAR managing director of green innovation. “Our fans are avid recyclers, as evidenced by the largest recycling program in all of sports, and adding a partner like this is another positive step toward reducing our sport’s impact on the environment.”

by Ismail Uddin

Constellation Energy, a longtime energy supplier to thousands of Illinois businesses will continue its renewable energy support for Chicagoland’s sports franchises by sponsoring the first “green” games for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center.

As a prelude to Earth Day, Constellation will sponsor “green” games for the Blackhawks on April 1 and the Bulls on April 2 by purchasing Green-e Energy Certified renewable energy certificates(RECs) to match the electricity use on each game day. RECs represent the environmental benefit of electricity generated by wind and therefore avoid carbon dioxide emissions. Constellation sponsored similar efforts last year for the Chicago Bears, Cubs and White Sox.

“Constellation is thrilled to help the Bulls and Blackhawks enhance their energy efficiency and environmental sustainability and welcomes the opportunity to literally power these two great teams by supplying electricity to the United Center,” said Bruce Stewart, chief marketing officer for Constellation. “Using RECs to avoid greenhouse gas emissions from electricity use is an effective approach for Chicago’s storied sports franchises as it helps raise awareness and support by their legions of loyal fans.”

In addition to powering the United Center, Constellation also supplies electricity to Wrigley Field and the Bears’ Halas Hall team offices and practice facilities.

“Through our new relationship with Constellation Energy, we’re in a position to work with a national industry leader as we continue to look for ways to improve our environmental performance and to educate our fans about the importance of energy conservation,” said Michael Reinsdorf, president and chief operating officer of the Chicago Bulls. “One of the first activations of this valuable partnership is the Bulls ‘Go Green Game’ on April 2. We look forward to working with Constellation Energy on this event and other fan-focused initiatives.”

Chicago Blackhawks Executive Vice President Jay Blunk, said: “Constellation’s greening of the Chicago Blackhawks game on April 1 supplements several of our team’s environmental efforts. We take pride in working together with Constellation and the United Center on this initiative.”

It also will be an opportunity for fans to learn more about the growing trend to shop and save on home electricity, just as consumers shop for internet or phone service.

About 262,000 Illinois residents have chosen new home electricity suppliers in the past year. Constellation Energy, through its Constellation NewEnergy retail business, offers Illinois residents savings up to 18 percent off ComEd’s current rate and up to 22 percent off current rates in the Ameren service territories.

by Ismail Uddin

Richly endorsed french soccer team, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have inked a sponsorship deal with Qatar National Bank (QNB) Group.

QNB Group, one of the leading banking brands in the Middle East and North Africa region, will utilise brand placement opportunities at Parc des Princes stadium, the iconic home of PSG, as well as all ancillary club facilities, in addition to having a prominent presence on the Club’s website.

The agreement will help QNB elevate its brand visibility and presence to highlight its growing activities, which are supported by a physical network in 24 countries around the world, including a full branch in the French capital, Paris.

This partnership, which is the first of its stature and calibre for QNB Group outside the State of Qatar, makes QNB Group one of the most prominent partners from the region actively supporting European sport, as well as positions it as a key partner for sport in the city of Paris.

This is an opportunity for QNB Group to highlight its brand’s vision and strategy for the future covering world-class banking and financial services offered by the Group in the markets where it has a presence.  Additionally, the agreement comes in line with QNB Group’s brand promise of being a partner committed to supporting at every level the growth and successes of the societies and economies in which it operates.

Since 1978, when it established its branch, located near Arc de Triomphe in Paris, QNB Group has been offering a full range of banking services to individuals and corporate entities. This is supported by the bank’s wide international network which has grown to employ 7,000 staff at 334 branches, offices, subsidiaries and affiliates in 24 countries around the world.

QNB Group was recently recognised as the #1 Banking Brand from the Middle East and North Africa by The Banker Magazine which published its report in February 2012. In addition to being the leading banking brand in the region, the Top 500 Banking Brands of The World report rated QNB Group’s brand the 114th leading brand in the global financial services arena.

by Ismail Uddin

Emirates, treatment the leading international airline of the UAE, see has signed a lucrative sponsorship deal with the US Open and US Open Series in partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

As part of the agreement, order Emirates becomes the “Official Airline of the US Open” and the title sponsor of the “Emirates Airline US Open Series,” whose 10 events combine to form the summer hardcourt professional tennis season and lead into the US Open.

The seven-year partnership will enable the airline to strengthen its connection with US consumers through a long-term investment in US sport, a statement said.

The sponsorship rights include integrated consumer experiential elements and substantial digital media assets and opportunities.

Emirates will have a significant on-court presence and also receive global promotional rights. In 2011, the US Open Series collectively reached a US viewing audience of 39 million and drew more than 800,000 fans.

“Our new partnership with the USTA and sponsorship of the prestigious US Open represents a further strengthening of Emirates’ presence within the US,” said Sir Maurice Flanagan, executive vice-chairman of Emirates Airline & Group.

“With the launch of Seattle, our sixth US gateway on March 1, Emirates will soon offer 59 flights a week to North America, connecting more US consumers than ever to our vast global network spanning six continents.”

“Our continued expansion across the country and the advent of a new brand era for Emirates makes this the perfect time to embark on our first major, national sponsorship in the United States,” continued Sir Maurice.

“Through this partnership, we hope to create a deeper connection with our customers through sharing in and supporting their passions. Emirates is a strong champion of North American sports and this sponsorship will enable us to enhance the fan experience at these tournaments while building a lasting relationship with tennis in the US.”

“This partnership truly is a combination of prestigious global brands and we’re thrilled to welcome Emirates Airline as a USTA Corporate Champion,” said Lew Sherr, chief revenue officer, USTA.

“While we look forward to supporting Emirates’ efforts to build awareness in the US, we’re also excited to leverage their global network and promote our events to an equally sophisticated, global clientele.”

Through the sponsorship, Emirates will enhance attendees’ experiences and engage with viewers through mainstream and digital platforms and an on-site presence during all US Open and Emirates Airline US Open Series events.

During the 2012 US Open in New York (August 27 – September 9), Emirates will create an integrated fan experience – both on and off the court – demonstrating the airline’s award-winning, world-class service, as well as opening doors to Emirates’ network of destinations across six continents.

As presenting sponsor of the US Open Club, Emirates will enhance the on-site upscale dining venue and provide interactive elements to elevate attendees’ overall involvement at the event. Leading up to the US Open, travelers on Emirates will enjoy in-flight content featuring classic US Open matches and recap programs. Emirates Skywards members will also enjoy onsite promotional experiences.

Emirates will be integrated into all Emirates Airline US Open Series broadcasts across CBS Sports, ESPN2 and Tennis Channel through on-air billboards, interstitials and in-broadcast features.

When combined, the 2011 US Open and US Open Series drew more than 1.5 million fans and provided more than $40 million in prize money to men’s and women’s professional tennis players.

“This sponsorship provides Emirates with a unique opportunity to engage with local communities across the United States through the USTA’s community initiatives,” added Sir Maurice. “By building bridges with local communities through sport, Emirates hopes to unite fans, engage in meaningful conversations and bring global cultures together.”

by Ismail Uddin

Castrol USA and Soccer United Marketing (SUM), here the marketing arm of Major League Soccer (MLS), cheap have announced a new multi-year partnership.

The agreement renews Castrol GTX High Mileage’s status as the official motor oil of MLS, the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and the Mexican National Soccer Team games played in the United States. Castrol has been a sponsor since 2010 and this partnership will continue through 2014.

“Globally, Castrol has been a supporter of soccer and we are excited to remain a member of the SUM family,” said Carolyn Eckert, Director of Promotions, Sponsorship and Creative Services. “This partnership enhances our connection with our target consumers while continuing to increase fan engagement with the sport.”

Castrol is renewing this partnership on the heels of a successful inaugural year with MLS by providing an opportunity for fans to connect with the sport through the introduction of the Castrol MLS Index and Castrol MLS Predictor. With a proprietary technology, these tools ranked player performance and predicted which team would be triumphant at the MLS Cup championship game. In addition to these cutting-edge tools for MLS, Castrol will boost fan experiences through player appearances, on-site activation at select games and in-stadium exposure.

David Wright, Senior Vice President of Global Sponsorship, Soccer United Marketing, said: “Castrol continues to be an extraordinary strategic partner for Major League Soccer, U.S. Soccer and the Mexican National Team. Castrol has introduced innovative fan engagement strategies and tools that have become very popular with soccer fans around the world. We are extremely proud of the partnership to date and equally excited about the future.”

Castrol is an official sponsor of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 and 2014 FIFA World Cup. Castrol will support both the U.S. and Mexican Men’s National teams as they commence their 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaigns. As interest in soccer, specifically in the United States, continues to grow in anticipation of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, this sponsorship of the U.S. and Mexican National Teams creates a dynamic and unique activation opportunity for the Castrol brand.

by Ismail Uddin

Jarno Trulli’s surprise sacking as driver to Caterham F1 team became a lot clearer today as his replacement Vitaly Petrov has brought a new sponsor to the team.

Sibur have become official team partners to Caterham for the 2012 season after the Russian petrochemical company were personal sponsors to Petrov last year.

Caterham caught many people off guard by bringing in well-backed Petrov to replace JarnoTrulli just weeks before the start of the new Formula One season.

“We are delighted to welcome Sibur into our team and to help them continue their relationship in F1 with Vitaly, and now with Caterham F1 Team,” team principal TonyFernandes said..

“F1 is a truly global sport, and Sibur’s investment in our sport is proof of the value F1 can bring, on a national and international level, so we are looking forward to working closely with (Sibur CEO) Mr (Dmitry) Konov and his team at Sibur to help them realise maximum benefit from this partnership.”

The Sibur logo will appear on Caterham’s CT01 cars as well as Petrov’s racing overalls.

by Ismail Uddin