The ITF announced today that it has renewed its sponsorship agreement with Wilson Racquet Sports as an international partner of Davis Cup and Fed Cup.

Wilson will remain the Official Ball of Davis Cup and Fed Cup for a further five years, malady starting in 2013 through 2017.

Wilson joined Davis Cup in 2002 as an official partner and manufacturer of the Official Ball of Davis Cup. It currently markets the Wilson Davis Cup Tour ball as the Official Ball of Davis Cup, allergist a premium tennis ball that is ideal for play on all court surfaces.

Wilson went on to become an official partner and manufacturer of the Official Ball of Fed Cup in 2006, since when it has increased its on-site presence and activities at all ties in the ITF’s premier team competitions.

In addition to its long-term support of Davis Cup and Fed Cup, Wilson has a strong commitment to grass roots tennis. It is currently the Official Ball of the ITF’s junior team competitions at the under 14 and under 16 level; the exclusive supplier of tennis rackets, shoes, clothing and accessories to the ITF Development Coaching Team; and has also supported the ITF Worldwide Coaches Conference.

ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: “Wilson remains an outstanding partner for the ITF, helping in our efforts to develop and promote the game. In particular the company has been a long and loyal sponsor of our premier team competitions, and we are delighted to have its continued support for many years to come.”

“The Davis Cup and Fed Cup are iconic tennis institutions, important to the heritage of the sport and to our brand,” said Jon Muir, general manager for Wilson Racquet Sports. “These events help to drive the local participation efforts in many countries around the world, and our brand and business efforts have aligned to support this as well. We are pleased to continue this strong partnership and look forward to bringing the energy of the game to all generations of tennis fans.”

by Ismail Uddin

Tough Mudder have announced that BIC Flex4 Razors has become an official sponsor for the Tough Mudder series, viagra bringing its “BIC4GOOD” and Real Guy Challenge campaign to twenty 2012 U.S. event locations.

Beginning in 2012, salve BIC Flex4 will take over the current “Mullet and Mohawk” tents, diagnosis re-branding it with the BIC Flex4 “BIC4GOOD,” campaign. For every Tough Mudder participant who gets a shaved head, mullet or Mohawk, a $4 credit will be made toward the $100,000 being donated by BIC USA Inc. to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). WWP is a national, non-partisan organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. To date, Tough Mudder has raised more than $2,500,000 to support WWP programs that aid in the healing of the mind, body and spirit of injured servicemen and women.

“We are excited to add another great brand to our roster,” says Dan Weinberg, director of Strategic Partnerships for Tough Mudder. “The BIC 4 GOOD head shave will be a terrific activation that will help benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.”

Furthermore, BIC Flex4 Razors will create an interactive user experience for participants at the brand new “Real Guy Challenge Tent.” This area will allow participants to warm up or cool down before and after challenges with push-ups, sit-ups and other fun contests that will keep everybody fired up throughout the day’s events. BIC Flex4 Razors will also be featured in Tough Mudder’s wildly successful social media program, which sees more than one and a half million followers at any given time.

“BIC is excited to be involved with the Tough Mudder series in 2012,” said Mary-Ellen Lacasse, director of marketing, BIC Consumer Products USA. “These events are a perfect venue to introduce the BIC Flex4 razors to the event’s participants, while simultaneously lending BIC’s support to the Wounded Warrior Project through the Company’s BIC 4 Good program.”

Founded in 2010, Tough Mudder is the nation’s fastest-growing and most-recognized endurance series, winning SportsTravel magazine’s prestigious “Best Amateur Sporting Event Series or Circuit” in 2011. Unlike other traditional endurance events or mud runs, Tough Mudder events are constructed by British Special Forces to offer a 10- to 12-mile trail-running experience like no other. Located outside major metropolitan cities, courses are based on rugged terrain, feature steep inclines and water hazards and are highlighted by 18 to 25 military-style obstacles that test one’s fitness, strength, stamina, mental grit, teamwork and toughness.

With a unique crossover appeal for high-performing endurance athletes, fitness enthusiasts, risk-taking adrenaline junkies and conservative commoners alike, Tough Mudder events were created to test individual limits in a one-day challenge that showcases the core characteristics of will, intensity, camaraderie and teamwork. Tough Mudder events are not timed and are won by all those capable of completing the course.

Tough Mudder participants have raised more than $2.5 million in support of its official charity partner, the Wounded Warrior Project, and often join teams of Wounded Warriors that participate at almost every Tough Mudder event. The company’s goal is to raise over $2.5 million more in 2012.

by Ismail Uddin

British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) has inked a deal which sees Standard Life become their official sponsor for both the men’s and women’s teams as well as their home games. 

The deal lasts until the end of 2013, extending the partnership with Standard Life who have sponsored BWB since 2009.

Graeme McEwan, Standard Life’s group director of communications said: “This is an exciting new partnership for us with British Wheelchair Basketball – it is a progressive and dynamic organisation and very much aligned to what our brand represents.

“Wheelchair basketball is an incredible spectator sport and its athletes have inspirational stories of personal commitment, drive and dedication.

“With our support, we hope they will feel even more confident about achieving their goals in 2012 and beyond.”

Malcolm Tarkenter, the chairman of BWB, said: “We are delighted to agree a partnership with Standard Life as we enter our final preparations for the Paralympic Games in London this year.

“Our partnership will greatly enhance the experience and preparations of both the GB men’s and women’s teams at this exciting time as well as providing the opportunity to promote wheelchair basketball to a far wider audience.

“The GB teams are looking sharp for 2012 and with the added support from Standard Life we hope to realise our dreams and the aspirations of the nation.”

by Ismail Uddin

St Helens Saints have announced Eleven Sports Media as their newest shirt sponsor.

Eleven will be replacing Hunters Land Rover Chester on the sleeve for the rest of the 2012 season.

Eleven are a Manchester based sports marketing company that have assisted Saints in the sales of perimeter boards and other advertising channels over the past three seasons.

As well as having a huge presence in Super League, symptoms currently working with eight of the clubs, Eleven also work with many Football clubs throughout the UK.

In recent months these have included Everton FC, Norwich FC and Glasgow Rangers. 

After recently launching a selection of new media/advertising products Eleven decided Saints would most benefit from Eleven’s new stadium TV concept. 

Fans will notice new plasma TVs installed around the stadium in both the concourse and hospitality areas. These screens will not only give them the chance to keep their eyes on other scores whilst having a pint but will also be a vital communication tool between the Club and the fans throughout the coming seasons at Langtree Park. 

As well as delivering this concept Eleven have also secured more than 50 board sponsorships between local businesses and Saints which can all be seen at high visible locations around the pitch and viewing gantries within the stadium. 

Director Matthew Cairns who headed up the projects at Saints said: “Eleven have enjoyed a healthy relationship with Saints over the past few years across various projects. 

“When the opportunity came along to be on the shirt for such an historic season in a brand new stadium for the Saints, it was an easy decision to make. 

“It will certainly be a great privilege to see the famous White and Red shirt sporting the Eleven brand throughout the first season at Langtree Park.” 

Head of Sales and Marketing at Saints Steve Davies commented: “With the Saints starting a new era at Langtree Park, it’s fitting that a forward thinking new media company such as Eleven Sports have joined forces with us. 

“Their expertise will help us not only maximise advertising opportunities at Langtree Park but also enhance the matchday experience for fans by the provision of the TV screens around the stadium.”

by Ismail Uddin

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has announced it has extended its partnership with the International Powerman Association (IPA) to stage the 2012 and 2013 ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships. 

The event will be part of the Powerman Series and will remain in Zofingen, Switzerland, located approximately 60km west of Zurich.

“With this continued partnership with Powerman, a stronger, brighter future is in store for international duathlon,” said Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member. “Zofingen offers a beautiful and challenging backdrop for the grueling test of long distance duathlon.”

The event will be held on 1-2 September 2012 with the elite duathletes fighting it out for gold over a 10km run followed by a 150km bike then a 30km run.  A total prize purse of $50,000 USD will be on offer, equal for men and women.

“In 2011 we established an ITU-Powerman working committee with the mission to boost duathlon and create more awareness for the sport,” said John Raadschelders, President of the International Powerman Association.  “Faith in each other is fundamental to this continued partnership for 2012 and 2013.”

This year will mark the 24^th edition of Powerman Zofingen and the fifth time it will serve as the ITU Duathlon Long Distance World Championship.

“The extension of the co-operation between ITU and Powerman over two years is an important message for the sport of duathlon and opens to athletes and federations new perspectives,” said Stefan Ruf, President of Powerman Zofingen.  “The possibility to win the ITU World Championship title at the epic Powerman Zofingen event makes this race unique for the elite and age-group athletes.”

At last year’s ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships in Zofingen, New Zealand’s Melanie Burke won her first world championship while Belgium’s Joerie Vansteelant cemented his position as the king of long distance duathlon by breaking the course record in the men’s race.

by Ismail Uddin

Britain’s youngest ever diving champion, Tom Daley has accepted a new role as the ambassador for the adidas BodyCare advertising campaign starting in March 2012.

“I was honoured when asked to be the ambassador of the new adidas campaign; the adidas body care products are great for anyone who is active and athletic. They are easy to pack when I travel and I love the design especially the union jack theme!  Ice Dive has to be my favourite,” Daley said.

Daley is an adidas-sponsored athlete, with sports apparel giant believing Daley’s flawless technique and sporting zeal perfectly personifies key values of the adidas brand. His great personal appeal also means that he is well positioned to communicate the excellence and high performance of the adidas male body care collection.

adidas’special edition’ Body Care now has a new re-designed limited edition pack across its range of men’s Anti-Perspirants, Shower Gels, Body Sprays and Eau de Toilettes. The dynamic new packaging is Brit inspired and includes a union jack flag giving a modern and sleek look.

by Ismail Uddin

Chairman of Rose Bowl plc, cialis Rod Bransgrove and Vice-Chancellor of Southampton Solent University, Professor Van Gore have signed a one-of-a-kind Partnership Accord designed to increase opportunities for students and improve creative benefit for cricket fans and visitors to The Rose Bowl.

The document, which also provides formal recognition and celebration of the close ties that already exist between the two organisations, was signed in The Rose Bowl’s Hambledon Suites in front of representatives from both parties and the local media.

Under the partnership students will gain valuable work experience at a venue renowned for national and international cricket and for arena-scale music concerts, particularly in areas of event management, sports journalism and outside broadcast.

Also sharing facilities will be improved, particularly audio-visual equipment, to improve the quality of coverage of matches and events held at The Rose Bowl. Provision of a city-based Box Office facility for The Rose Bowl, located in the University’s Sir James Matthews building will also be created. Plus providing The Rose Bowl’s Cricket department with use of the facilities on offer in the Solent University Sports Science department.

Potential for running and use of Rose Bowl facilities by the University, particularly the development for commercial and educational use of the ‘Indoor Cricket School’.

Rose Bowl use of Solent Creatives’ – the University’s register of students equipped with the latest media tools and techniques who are ready, willing and able to take on freelance assignments from any organisation – for live marketing and PR initiatives.

Southampton Solent University will have continued brand prominence at the Rose Bowl.

Staff, students and graduates will also be providing the University with discount opportunities to attend cricket matches and events at the Rose Bowl.

Rod Bransgrove said; “We are delighted to be signing this Accord with Southampton Solent University. The prospect of a world-class venue which hosts International cricket and top-class events combining with the expertise, skills and equipment available to the University and its students is very exciting and will, I’m sure, mean that fans, students and visitors to The Rose Bowl will all benefit massively.”

Professor Van Gore said; “Working with Rod on this has been a pleasure and his comments capture perfectly the purpose of our partnership.”

by Ismail Uddin

The Lance Armstrong Foundation have announced a new partnership with the Ironman Series to raise more than $1 million for people affected by cancer. 

Lance Armstrong, cancer survivor, champion cyclist and the Foundation’s founder and chairman, will compete as a professional athlete in several Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races this year including Ironman 70.3 Panama, Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas, Ironman 70.3 Florida, Ironman 70.3 Hawaii and Ironman France. Armstrong is racing with the goal of qualifying for the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on Oct. 13, 2012, and will be competing as a member of Team LIVESTRONG, which is adding these Ironman races to its endurance events series designed to raise funds for people affected by cancer.

“I am grateful to Ironman for partnering with LIVESTRONG to raise funds and awareness for people affected by cancer,” said Armstrong. “In my career as an athlete and as a cancer advocate, I’ve learned that progress demands partnership, but it’s not without a struggle. And that’s what Team LIVESTRONG is about — it’s about purpose, it’s about challenge and it’s about empowering survivors to fight like hell. There’s progress to be made with cancer and we invite anyone up for the challenge to join Team LIVESTRONG.”

“At 13 years old, Lance got his start in triathlon by racing in the IronKids Series,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of World Triathlon Corporation. “At 16 years old, he went pro and was considered a star in our sport. At only 18, he was racing against the best triathletes in the world: Mark Allen, Dave Scott and Scott Molina. We are happy to have him return to our sport. Lance is a fierce competitor and his involvement with Ironman and 70.3 is good for triathlon.”

“Lance’s involvement at perhaps the toughest one-day event in all of sport sheds light on what surviving cancer can mean to millions around the world,” said Scott Tinley, two-time Ironman World Champion and Ironman Hall of Fame Inductee. “I remember Lance as a determined kid who channeled that competitive spirit into an amazing career as a cyclist, survivor and advocate for survivors of a horrible disease. A partnership between LIVESTRONG and Ironman will further improve the lives of people affected by cancer. People need to realize that Lance’s foundation represents the use of sport to improve our world. There are only positive things that can come from having Lance join the Ironman family.”

“Lance is an exceptional athlete; he’s the type of person who wants to excel and be the best at whatever he puts his mind to,” said Chris Lieto, multiple Ironman and Ironman 70.3 champion. “I’m excited to see how his participation in our sport will draw attention to what it takes to be a triathlete and how challenging it can be. It will definitely bring triathlon more into the mainstream and I know pro athletes, including myself, will look forward to racing with him in future events.”

“It is exciting to see Lance Armstrong, one of the greatest-ever endurance athletes, coming back to race triathlons in 2012,” said Craig Alexander, three-time Ironman World Champion and two-time Ironman 70.3 World Champion.

Through this partnership, Ironman will serve as a gold-level sponsor for the Team LIVESTRONG Challenge Series. As a sponsor, Ironman will provide 1,000 entries to the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events at which Lance will compete, as well as donate four Ironman World Championship slots in 2012 and 2013 to be auctioned with proceeds going directly to LIVESTRONG.

by Ismail Uddin

Alpecin und Sport – diese Verbindung besteht nun schon seit vielen Jahrzehnten. Besonders eng ist das Verhältnis immer zum Radfahren gewesen. Nun erhöht die Marke dieses Engagement und setzt dabei bewusst auf den Breitensport. Am 12. August 2012 findet auf der traditionsreichen Bielefelder Radrennbahn der erste „Alpecin Cycling Day 2012″ statt, pills ein Event der Superlative für Nicht-Profis. Als langfristiger Botschafter dieser Veranstaltung und der Marke Alpecin konnte Radsport-Legende Jan Ullrich gewonnen werden.

Alpecin trifft damit den Nerv vieler Menschen, ampoule denn Radfahren ist die mit Abstand häufigste sportliche Betätigung in Deutschland. Laut einer aktuellen Studie sitzen 27 Prozent der Erwachsenen regelmäßig im Sattel. Radfahren ist außerdem bei allen Altersgruppen beliebt und gesund. „Mit diesem professionellen Engagement im Breitensport in Deutschland wollen wir langfristig diesen Sport in all seinen modernen Facetten fördern und unsere Marke ALPECIN vielen Zuschauern und Sportlern auch international näher bringen”, clinic betont Eduard R. Dörrenberg, geschäftsführender Gesellschafter der Unternehmensgruppe Dr. Wolff, zu der unter anderem die Marke Alpecin gehört.

Der Alpecin Cycling Day 2012 setzt sich aus einem ganzen Bündel an Wettbewerben und Aktionen zusammen. Hinzu kommt ein attraktives Rahmenprogramm. Sportliche Highlights sind drei Jedermann-Rennen über 40, 80 und 120 Kilometer sowie ein prominent besetztes Europa-Cup-Rennen der Steher um den Alpecin Cup. Nähere Informationen sowie Anmeldemöglichkeiten sind unter www.alpecin-cyclingday.de zu finden.

Dass Jan Ullrich als Botschafter und Mitfahrer dieser Veranstaltung fungiert, gibt dem Radsport-Event aus Sicht der Organisatoren einen ganz besonderen Stellenwert. Der 39-jährige kann auf eine lange Liste außergewöhnlicher sportlicher Erfolge zurückblicken: Als erster und bisher einziger Deutscher gewann Ullrich 1997 die Tour de France. Darüber hinaus war er fünfmal Zweiter, einmal Dritter und einmal Vierter der Tour, Amateurweltmeister im Straßenrennen, zweimal Weltmeister im Einzelzeitfahren sowie Sieger im olympischen Straßenrennen 2000. 2007 erklärte er seine aktive Radsportkarriere für beendet. „Wir begrüßen es sehr, dass Jan Ullrich sich in den Dienst unserer Radsportaktivitäten stellt”, freut sich Dörrenberg über den prominenten Mitstreiter, der während und nach seiner Karriere bekanntlich auch schwierige Phasen zu überstehen hatte. „Sein Beispiel zeigt, dass es nicht immer nur bergauf geht, sondern dass man auch fallen kann. Dann heißt es wieder aufzustehen.”

Die Zusammenarbeit ist langfristig ausgelegt und wird über den Einsatz bei dem ersten Alpecin Cycling Day 2012 weit hinausgehen. Geplant sind unter anderem eine jährliche Radsportveranstaltung – der Alpecin Cycling Day in Bielefeld, ggf. dann auch mit einem Profirennen. Außerdem wird Jan Ullrich, der auch International ein sehr geschätzter Sportler ist, die aktuelle starke Internationalisierung der Marke Alpecin mit Auftritten und ggf. Veranstaltungen unterstützen.

Ullrich selber betrachtet Aktivitäten wie die in Bielefeld als eine Art Neubeginn. Der Alpecin Cycling Day sei ein willkommener Anlass, für den Radsport in seiner ganzen Vielfalt zu werben. „Nach einer längeren Pause habe ich die Liebe zum Radsport wieder zurück gewonnen. Ich freue mich, mit Alpecin einen starken Partner zu haben, der diese Leidenschaft teilt. Der Alpecin Cycling Day wird ein Highlight für alle Radsportfans sein.”

Kyocera Fineceramics wird ab der Saison 2012/13 neuer Hauptsponsor des Dormagener Handball-Club Rheinland (DHC).

Die Partnerschaft zwischen dem japanischen Technologiekonzern und dem aktuell in der 2. Handball-Bundesliga spielenden DHC beginnt am 1. Juli 2012 und ist zunächst für ein Jahr geplant. Im Zuge der Zusammenarbeit wird das bisherige Dormagener “TSV Sportcenter” in “Kyocera Arena” umbenannt. Zur Vereinbarung gehört ein umfassendes Kommunikationskonzept. So wird das Logo von Kyocera unter anderem auf den Trikots der DHC-Spieler und auf Banden in der Arena erscheinen.

„Wir sind sehr froh, cough dass wir einen erfolgreichen und international tätigen Partner gewonnen haben, der mit seinem Vertriebsbüro auch in Neuss und damit in der Region Rheinland vertreten ist”, betont DHC-Geschäftsführer Heinz Lieven.

Kyocera-Vorstand Mitsuru Imanaka sieht gute Gründe für die Entscheidung: „Neben unserem Engagement im Fußball setzen wir bewusst auf den Handball – eine Sportart, die in Deutschland und Europa viele Menschen begeistert.” Nachweislich hat die Zielgruppe von Kyocera ein überdurchschnittliches Sportinteresse. Mit der Sponsorschaft nun auch im Handball will Kyocera das Markenbewusstsein in Deutschland weiter verbessern. „Dormagen und Düsseldorf können auf eine lange Handballgeschichte zurückblicken und arbeiten intensiv an einer erfolgreichen Zukunft in der Handball-Bundesliga”, sagt Imanaka. „Als Unternehmen können wir uns sehr gut mit diesem Ziel identifizieren.”