The PGA TOUR and Valero Energy Corporation have announced a six-year extension of Valero’s sponsorship commitment to the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio. The new deal takes effect in 2013 and runs through 2018.

The announcement comes as the tournament prepares to celebrate its 90th year in San Antonio, making it one of the longest-running tournaments on the PGA TOUR and the longest held in the same city, dating back to 1922. The Valero Texas Open also has become a leader in charitable donations on the PGA TOUR. Last year’s Valero Texas Open generated a TOUR-record $9 million for charity, bringing the tournament’s all-time contributions to $67 million, $62.5 million of which has come since Valero became title sponsor in 2002. It has led PGA TOUR tournaments in charitable giving in five of the past six years.

“Valero is proud to continue its title sponsorship of the Valero Texas Open and to continue its association with the PGA TOUR,” said Mike Crownover, Valero’s Senior Vice President of Human Resources and the Valero executive overseeing the company’s activities at this year’s tournament. “The extended sponsorship shows Valero’s commitment to our hometown of San Antonio and to the deserving charities that benefit from the millions of dollars raised each year.”

PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, said: “The Valero Texas Open has been an integral part of the San Antonio community and the PGA TOUR for 90 years. Not only does it celebrate a rich history as a premier sporting event in San Antonio, it also has had a significant impact on thousands of lives through a remarkable charitable record, particularly since Valero became involved as title sponsor.

Valero has been a terrific partner of the tournament and the PGA TOUR, and I am delighted that with today’s announcement this legacy will continue in San Antonio for the foreseeable future.”

As part of the extension, Valero, in partnership with Golf San Antonio, will continue its support of The First Tee of San Antonio by donating $1.2 million over the term of the deal to provide a base of support upon which the San Antonio community can build. The chapter is located at historic Brackenridge Park, site of the Valero Texas Open’s original home course.

“This is a perfect example of how PGA TOUR tournaments and their sponsors can a have significant impact on a community,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive of The First Tee. “Valero’s commitment to The First Tee of San Antonio will allow the chapter to further its reach and impact in the community, thus making a difference for thousands of young people who will be better prepared for life beyond the golf course.”

Since it began programming in 2002, The First Tee of San Antonio has reached almost 25,000 young people with educational-based programs that build character using golf as the platform. In addition, The First Tee National School Program is currently in 38 area elementary schools, introducing more than 19,000 students each year to golf and core values during physical education classes.

While the Valero Texas Open has a long history in San Antonio, it has undergone two significant changes in the past several years. Long contested as a fall tournament, the Valero Texas Open moved to the spring in 2009 to become part of the FedExCup Regular Season. Then, in 2010, it moved to the AT&T Oaks Course at the newly opened TPC San Antonio, adjacent to the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. The course was designed by Greg Norman with Sergio Garcia serving as player consultant. Brendan Steele won last year’s Valero Texas Open, one of seven rookies to win on the PGA TOUR in 2011.

Die Vertragsverlängerung als Hauptsponsor besiegelten Dr. Klaus Engel, ampoule Vorsitzender des Vorstandes der Evonik Industries AG, und Hans-Joachim Watzke, Vorsitzender der Geschäftsführung der Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA. Der bisherige Vertrag hatte eine Laufzeit bis Mitte 2013..

„Für unsere Geschäftspartner sind wir ein verlässlicher Partner, und das wollen wir auch für den BVB sein“, betonte Dr. Klaus Engel. Was Evonik mit dem BVB erlebt habe, sei der Traum eines jeden Sponsors. „Als wir eingestiegen sind, war der Verein noch dabei, den größten Tiefpunkt seiner Geschichte zu bewältigen. Und dann holt der BVB innerhalb von fünf Jahren den Meistertitel – auf begeisternde Art und Weise. Besser geht es nicht“, so Engel. Der BVB erhöhe nicht nur den Bekanntheitsgrad von Evonik, „sondern auch unser Image“, hob Engel hervor. Und weiter: “Wer uns als BVB-Sponsor kennt, findet uns deutlich sympathischer und kreativer als diejenigen, denen unser Engagement in Dortmund nicht bekannt ist.”

„Wir sind sehr glücklich“, erklärte Hans-Joachim Watzke, „die erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit mit Evonik fortsetzen zu können, die von beiden Seiten mit Herzblut und Leidenschaft gelebt wird.“ Der BVB sei froh, einen der kreativsten und engagiertesten Sponsoren der Liga weiterhin an seiner Seite zu wissen.

Saxo Bank will continue to sponsors Bjarne Riis’s cycling team, even without Alberto Contador.

The Spaniard’s two-year ban for doping “is not something that affects our attitude toward sponsorship,” the bank said Monday.

Contador’s suspension will exclude him from riding the Tour de France this summer, but he is expected to take part in the Vuelta a Espana.

“Of course we are disappointed about it here and I feel personally with Alberto, for I am sure he has not done anything wrong,” Saxo Bank Director Lars Seier Christensen told sporten.tv2.dk.

“But such is the system, and we must look ahead and there’ll be winning races anyway.”

The bank is estimated to pay 60 to 70 million Kroner (8 to 9.4 million Euro) to the team annually. It is not known whether Riis must pay anything back due to the loss of Contador.

“We will not comment on the detailed conditions in our contract,” Christensen said.

The bank has sponsored the team since 2008. Its contract expired after the 2010 season, but the backer signed up for another year when Riis announced Contador’s signing for the 2011 season. Saxo Bank renewed again for the 2012 season, with another one-year sponsoring contract.

Hana Financial Group, Korea’s second largest financial institution has signed LPGA professional golfer Cristie Kerr as global ambassador for the 2012 golf season.

As Hana Financial Group continues to enhance its global footprint, the partnership with Kerr is designed to raise brand awareness, especially in the American sports and business community.

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with such a revered athlete as Cristie Kerr,” said Mr. Yong-Ro Yun, current vice chairman of Hana Financial Group. “As Hana Financial Group continues to raise awareness of its services in the US, we are happy to have an ambassador that is so accomplished and respected in her field.”

“I am proud to represent a great corporation like Hana Financial Group, whose brand and corporate leadership stand for integrity, hard work and excellence, qualities I admire and aspire to exhibit,” said Kerr. “Hana Financial Group also has demonstrated an unwavering support for women’s golf and charitable causes, making this partnership a strong fit.”

Kerr has been one of the top female golf performers and one of the most popular players on tour over the past decade. Kerr’s achievements include 15 professional career wins, including two Major Championships. She rose to the #1 spot in the official world ranking in the 2010 season and has been ranked in the top ten for a remarkable 407 consecutive weeks, leading her to become the 4th highest money winner of all time in women’s professional golf.

Leicester Lions Speedway team have completed a major deal with Elliott UK, generic who specialise in modular building construction, at their Leicestershire premises in Rearsby who have acquired naming rights to the team.

Nigel Quinn, divisional director of Elliott UK, said: “We are delighted to support Leicester Lions and wish them well in the new season. We were closely involved in upgrading the facilities at Beaumont Park and were pleased to see speedway return to Leicester after an absence of 28 years.

“Sponsorship of Leicester Lions will ensure that Elliott is seen by the many thousands of people who regularly watch this highly-popular sport.”

The return of speedway to Leicester last year was heralded as a great success.

The club are preparing for their second season, which starts next month, and will be known as Elliott Leicester Lions after the deal, understood to equate to a five-figure sum, was sealed.

Lions promoter David Hemsley said: “Our association with Elliott stems back to a year ago during the final phases of the Beaumont Park stadium build.

“We approached the company to discuss our requirements and were impressed with their extensive range of products, knowledge and in-house expertise.

“They understood our business needs and came up with the ideal solution which took our facilities at Beaumont Park to a new level.

“We are delighted that Elliott UK have decided to support Leicester speedway, which will provide us with a platform to take the business forward and we will work closely with their staff to deliver a return on their investment.”

Red Line Synthetic Oil Corp. will continue its partnership with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) as an official Major Sponsor of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series for the 14th year.

Red Line will post more than $125,000 in contingency prizes to NHRA drag racers in various professional and sportsman categories. Red Line is also continuing its major technical partnerships with some to the racing industry’s most successful drag racing teams.

“Our program with NHRA is a strong part of the culture at Red Line. Though much of our business is done with installers and high performance automotive fans, the racers are how we got started and it’s a market in which we will always continue to provide support,” said Cameron Evans of Red Line. “We make the proof of purchase process for contingency verification very easy. Our strongest racer participation is in categories like Stock and Super Stock, where Red Line’s lower viscosities and longer drain intervals still provide the best equation of wear and performance.”

Red Line also announced its continued collaboration with FM3 Marketing and Optima Batteries. A mobile display with product available for sale to racers and fans will be presented on the NHRA Nitro Alley Manufacturer’s Midway at the following 16 NHRA Full Throttle events:

Major League Lacrosse (MLL) have announced it has partnered with the HEADstrong Foundation and will use the 2012 MLL All-Star Game as a vehicle to raise awareness and funds for those affected by blood cancer.

The game will take place at FAU Stadium in Palm Beach County, ambulance FL on Saturday, drugs June 30 at 7:30 PM, EST. The MLL All-Star Game will be televised live on ESPN2 and streamed on ESPN3.com.

The HEADstrong Foundation was founded by the late Nicholas Colleluori, a former Hofstra University lacrosse standout, after he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Carried on by his mother Cheryl and his family, the HEADstrong Foundation is one of the most recognized non-profit organizations that advocates, fundraises, and supports those affected by blood cancer and those working towards eliminating it.

Today, HEADstrong Foundation has made major strides to support those affected by blood cancer, including helping to fund research and directly supporting families through financial and moral support.

“Nick’s story is truly inspiring,” said MLL Commissioner David Gross. “HEADstrong, which he laid the foundation for after being diagnosed, is a testament to Nick’s character and we are thrilled to support this extremely admirable cause and to spread awareness of blood cancer.”

“This is something we have been hoping for,” said Cheryl Colleluori, president of the HEADstrong Foundation. “We have been recognized at the youth and collegiate levels, but to come full circle and be recognized at the professional level really solidifies the mission of our Foundation. It is a distinct privilege and it’s thrilling for us to be a part of the MLL All-Star Game.”

“Nicholas continues to be our inspiration, but it’s the lacrosse community that has been instrumental in furthering our mission,” Cheryl said. “Creating an organization within the game of lacrosse to advocate blood cancer awareness was the vision of my son. The widespread interest of the HEADstrong Foundation has been the most uplifting experience which continues to fuel our relentlessness.  We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to Major League Lacrosse and all of our supporters throughout the game for this amazing opportunity.”

Elements of HEADstrong’s distinct lime green corporate colors and foundation logo, which was designed by Nick himself, will be prominent throughout the All-Star Game, including the All-Star Game jerseys. Immediately following the game, MLL’s All-Stars will take the jerseys off their backs, autograph them and all game-worn jerseys will be listed for auction via the MLL’s website.  All net proceeds generated from the auction will be donated to the HEADstrong Foundation.

In addition to the funds raised by MLL fans through auction bids, the New Balance Foundation will once again generously match the net dollar amount being donated to benefit the HEADstrong Foundation.  The New Balance Foundation has been partnering with the charitable giving generated by the MLL’s All-Star game for the past five seasons.  Together, they have helped to raise over $140,000 for charities nation-wide.  Past beneficiaries of the MLL All-Star Game have included Wounded Warrior Project (2007), Special Olympics North America (2008),  the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (2009), MetroLacrosse (2010) and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (2011).

Globul, Bulgaria’s second largest mobile operator, controlled by Greek telecoms firm OTE, has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with English soccer club Manchester United, Globul said on Tuesday. 

“Under the agreement, Globul will offer the club’s fans in Bulgaria access to exclusive Manchester United news, interviews, special features and other content over its mobile network,” Globul said in a statement. 

“Furthermore, Globul and Manchester United will jointly develop a promotional micro site in Bulgarian and English, specifically tailored for local supporters.” 

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. CSKA Sofia, the most successful Bulgarian club with 31 league titles, is also sponsored by Globul. 

Manchester United’s Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov played for CSKA between 1998 and 2001 while the Old Trafford side are the most popular foreign club in Bulgaria.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the appointment of the official travel agents for the ICC World Twenty 2012 which will be staged in Sri Lanka from 18 September to 7 October.

Gullivers Sports Travel, cialis Sport Abroad and Thomson Sport in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland as well as Australian Sports Tours (AST) in Australia and New Zealand have been appointed with more appointments expected in the coming weeks.

In a first for an ICC cricket tournament, Emirates Live, a collaboration between the Emirates Airline group of companies and TUI Travel PLC’s Sport Division, has been appointed providing global reach and access to this exciting cricket event in beautiful Sri Lanka, Asia’s equivalent of the Caribbean.

These official travel agents have been carefully selected by ICC Travel, ICC’s official travel licensee till the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

ICC Travel will also donate US$10 from every package purchased to educational charity Room to Read who partners with the ICC to promote literacy and access to books.

ICC Travel have extensive experience of arranging tours for all budgets and requirements across a range of major sporting events but with unmatched expertise in cricket, having operated a similar function at ICC Cricket World Cups and the ICC Champions Trophy and ICC World Twenty20 tournaments. 

The Marussia F1 Team is partnering with Monster.com, health the worldwide leader in connecting people to job opportunities and the flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, allergy Inc. to recruit for a variety of permanent roles that will influence the technical and commercial success of the team.

Four of these roles will be specialized opportunities, advertised as ‘Cool Jobs,’ and will use Monster’s global job seeker reach to help ensure the Marussia F1 Team receives the most qualified applicants from all over the world. As part of the partnership, the Marussia F1 Team will also leverage Monster’s Talent Management Suite to optimize efficiency throughout the recruitment lifecycle, and to help the organization quickly hone in on top talent.

The first of the four global ‘Cool Jobs’ is now available as the team is looking for an aerodynamicist to play a vital role in the development of Marussia’s next generation F1 race car. The jobs will be based in the Marussia F1 Team’s new technology centre located in Banbury, England, but the team will consider qualified candidates from all over the world. In addition to the globally advertised ‘Cool Jobs,’ up to 40 other permanent opportunities will be available in the coming months to job seekers throughout the EU.

Andy Webb, CEO, Marussia F1 Team, stated: “Monster is an exciting and much-welcome addition to our portfolio of Marussia F1 Team Official Partners. Formula One is a technology-driven sport, but you need the right people with the right talents to drive these processes. At this time, when we are looking to augment our expertise in key areas of the team, this partnership will enable us to reach a much wider scope of qualified candidates, leveraging Monster’s global reach and its precision search matching technology.”

Katie Allen, Head of HR, Marussia F1 Team, added: “The partnership with Monster will enable us to significantly increase our talent reach quickly and cost-effectively – which is vital in the F1 recruitment arena. As a small F1 team, we also look forward to using the Talent Management Suite to help us manage our recruitment and resourcing plans in the most professional and efficient way, whilst ensuring that more of our HR focus can be directed at development activities for the business and our people .”

Ted Gilvar, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Monster, noted “We’re thrilled to be working the Marussia F1 Team. We’re confident that our global reach, combined with our unparalleled job matching technology will help the team find the unique talent they need to succeed.”