Frozen food company, hospital McCain, buy has decided not to renew its five-year sponsorship of UK Athletics (UKA) when its contract expires in 2013.

The company sponsors the ‘UK Challenge Series’ — the country’s main domestic competitions that provide a pathway for athletes to progress from club to international level.

The series includes the popular intercity competitions as well as the five main national cross-country fixtures of the winter.

The deal, search which also covers support for the British Milers Club and the Young Athletes League, is understood to be worth around £1 million ($1.57m) a year to the governing body.

A company spokesman said: “After careful consideration McCain has decided not to renew its current five-year partnership with UK Athletics, which comes to an end in 2013.

“The partnership continues to be hugely successful for McCain and UKA in creating a long-term legacy for young British athletes from grassroots through to competitive level.”

McCain’s decision will add to the uncertainty over the sport’s financial future since UK Athletics’ main sponsorship deal with Aviva is due to expire at the end of 2012.

Talks about renewing the deal are in progress, though UK Athletics is optimistic that its successful bid for the 2017 World Championships will make the sport an attractive proposition.

A UKA spokesman said: “McCain have invested in the grassroots athletic competitions and have enabled us to deliver an increase in participation and enhance standards.”

She added: “The 2017 World Athletics Championships coming to London gives us a superb commercial platform on which to build post-2012, and we would like to thank McCain for their ongoing support.”

US Sailing, allergy the National Governing Body of the sport in America, cough | has extended their sponsorship agreement with Old Pulteney, a leading single malt Scotch whisky brand.

Old Pulteney became the official Scotch of US Sailing when the two parties signed the initial sponsorship deal in April of 2011. 

The sponsorship agreement includes direct support for the organization, including select US Sailing Adult National Championships and Speaker Series events, hosted at sailing venues around the country. Old Pulteney will be present for on-shore social events and receptions during these US Sailing events.

Jack Gierhart, Executive Director of US Sailing, said: “We are excited Old Pulteney has agreed to extend their partnership with US Sailing and build on what we have developed in 2011. They are a very popular supporter amongst sailors and contribute a lot to enhancing our events.”

Old Pulteney was founded in 1826 and is crafted at the Pulteney Distillery in Wick, Scotland. The brand has a long standing association with the sea and is known as the “Maritime Malt.” At a time when road links to the town were not established, the distillery was dependent on the sea for its supply of barley and for the shipping out of its Scotch.

Pat Graney, President of International Beverage, USA, said: “US Sailing has truly complemented the Old Pulteney brand over the past year. We are thrilled to continue partnering with them, sharing our Scotch and offering our support to the sailing community throughout 2012.”

USA Track & Field and BP America Inc. have announced that BP will be the official Oil/Gas/Energy sponsor for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon, ampoule to be held in Houston on January 14, herbal 2012.

The men’s and women’s Olympic Trials Marathon races will determine the three men and three women who will represent the United States in the marathon at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Approximately 300 runners are expected to compete in Houston.

BP, apoplectic with U.S. headquarters in Houston, will also sponsor the 2012, 2014 and 2016 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, as well as the 2015 U.S. Pan American and Parapan American Teams.

USATF Interim CEO Mike McNees said, said: ”We are pleased to welcome BP’s support of what will be an outstanding and historic Olympic Trials in Houston. We appreciate BP’s corporate support and volunteer support, as well as their willingness to promote the Olympic spirit in their community activities.”

Steve Williams, head of US Olympic & Paralympic Programs for BP America, added: “Our employee volunteers are looking forward to supporting the athletes competing in the marathon trials, and we are proud to be a sponsor for this fast-paced event in Houston. We also intend to help spread the excitement of the Olympics within communities along the Gulf Coast to build further support for these athletes.”

In addition to financial support for the Olympic Trials Marathon, BP’s sponsorship will feature community programs with Olympic Trials Marathon contenders and legendary athletes. The partnership will also see Houston area BP employees taking part in the Olympic Trials via volunteer support initiatives.

BP employees are active in the Houston area with about 30,000 volunteer hours in 2010, participating in signature events such as the BP MS150 with a 750-employee team, and as a Heritage Partner of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where a total of 900 volunteers support these education fundraising events.

 

 

American company, Procter & Gamble (P&G), has named 11 British athletes who will be ambassadors to P&G brands before and during the 2012 London Olympics.

In addition to supporting the Mums of Team GB through its ‘Thank You Mum‘ campaign, the company will also be sponsoring 11 leading UK athletes who will serve as ambassadors for P&G’s individual brands through 2012.

Irwin Lee, P&G UK Vice-President and managing director, said: “We’re very excited to welcome to the P&G family an impressive line-up of athletes who will help us celebrate the London 2012 Games and the role that Mums and families play in raising great kids and great champions. We are delighted to be part of the Olympic movement and to support Team GB and their families here in the UK.”

The following athletes will be supported by leading P&G brands: Mark Cavendish, road cycling head&shoulders, Jessica Ennis, athletics – Olay, Sir Chris Hoy, track cycling – Gillette, Jeanette Kwakye, athletics – Ariel, Keri-Anne Payne, swimming – Max Factor and Oral-B, Victoria Pendleton, track cycling – Pantene, Paula Radcliffe, athletics – Fairy and Pampers, Jenna Randall, synchronised swimming – Braun Female, Ben Rushgrove, Paralympic athletics – P&G, Liam Tancock, swimming -Gillette and Sophia Warner, Paralympic athletics – P&G.

Between them the line-up of athletes holds five current world records, has won 31 world championship titles and has brought home over 100 medals from the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships and European Championships between them.

Irwin Lee added: “Each of these athletes is leading the way in their individual fields and embody the values of leadership, integrity and passion for winning that we set for ourselves and our brands at P&G.”

Sir Chris Hoy, cyclist and Gillette ambassador said: “Gillette has a fantastic heritage in sport and I’m delighted to be a part of that. Next year will be a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m looking forward to sharing the journey with Gillette.”

Victoria Pendleton, cyclist and Pantene Pro-V ambassador commented: “I’ve used Pantene since I was a little girl so I am thrilled to be the Pantene ambassador in 2012.”

The newly unveiled GB athletes will feature in a variety of sponsorship, marketing and advertising campaigns for P&G’s individual brands in the run-up to and during London 2012.

The PGA Tour and McGladrey have announced that the leading tax firm has signed a three-year extension as title sponsor of the McGladrey Classic through 2015.

McGladrey, one of the nation’s leading assurance, tax and business consulting firms, originally signed a three-year sponsorship deal, which extends through the 2012 tournament.

Joe Adams, managing partner and CEO for McGladrey & Pullen, said: “At McGladrey, we know that the real power of any relationship comes through understanding. Our clients enjoy watching and playing the game of golf, a sport noted for its values of integrity, excellence, understanding and teamwork – values that mirror our firm’s own.

“The McGladrey Classic provides us with a unique opportunity to build relationships with clients and potential clients, supports our long-standing tradition of giving back to the community and raises awareness of the McGladrey brand, both nationally and internationally. We’re thrilled to renew our sponsorship of The McGladrey Classic, and look forward to returning to Sea Island through 2015.”

Held at the renowned Sea Island Resort on Georgia’s southern coastline, The McGladrey Classic has had a successful first two years, in large part due to longtime PGA Tour member and Sea Island resident Davis Love III serving as tournament chairman, and his foundation serving as the tournament host organization. The McGladrey Classic has featured a strong field with Love and other PGA Tour members who live in Georgia’s Golden Isles including Matt Kuchar, Lucas Glover, Jonathan Byrd and Zach Johnson, as well as other top players, taking on Sea Island’s highly acclaimed Seaside Course.

Andy Pazder, PGA TOUR executive vice president and chief of operations, said: “We’re delighted that McGladrey has agreed to continue its sponsorship of The McGladrey Classic through 2015. In just two years, the tournament has established itself as a strong PGA TOUR event thanks to the commitment by McGladrey and the leadership of Davis Love III and his foundation.

“Davis and his brother, Mark (tournament executive director) set out to create a first-class tournament, and coupled with the setting of a world-class resort and golf course, it’s easy to see why players enjoy this tournament so much. We look forward to working with McGladrey, Davis and his team to continue the event’s growth and the positive impact it has on the surrounding area.”

In conjunction with the company’s Volunteer Day, McGladrey recently announced that the 2011 McGladrey Classic raised $300,000 for Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Georgia and other local and national charitable organizations.

“The McGladrey Classic has been an incredible success, and has far exceeded everyone’s expectations for the first two years,” said Davis Love III. “Because of the dynamic partnership between McGladrey and my foundation, the event will continue to flourish. We couldn’t be more thrilled that McGladrey is on board for another three years. I’m excited about the future of The McGladrey Classic and most importantly, the charitable support that the Davis Love Foundation will continue to be able to provide through this event.”

The Seaside Course, which opened in 1929, was originally designed by noted architects Harry S. Colt and Charles Alison, and in 1999 was renovated by Tom Fazio. It measures 7,055 yards and plays to par 70.

Heath Slocum won the inaugural McGladrey Classic and Ben Crane won this past October in a playoff against Webb Simpson. The 2012 McGladrey Classic is scheduled for the week of October 15-21.

Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks business and producer of Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky, has become an Official Partner of The 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

The agreement will see Diageo use its portfolio of premium beverage alcohol brands to promote the 2014 Ryder Cup around the globe in partnership with Ryder Cup Europe. Central to the partnership will be Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch whisky and the first Scottish brand to enjoy Official Partner status for the tournament.

 

Garuda Indonesia, the National flag carrier, has signed on as Official Airline for the Indonesian Masters, an Asian Tour sanctioned event.

The announcement comes with commitments from Asian Tour legend, Thongchai Jaidee and local golfing star Rory Hie to participate in the 2012 edition.

World number three Lee Westwood has already confirmed his defence of the title at the Indonesian Masters presented by PNTS at Royale Jakarta Golf Club from April 19-22, 2012.

The Englishman claimed a memorable victory in the inaugural edition on the Asian Tour earlier this year which coincided with his 38^th birthday and a return to the world’s number one position, albeit briefly.

Mr. Emir Satar, President Director of Garuda Indonesia, said: “Garuda Indonesia is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Indonesian Masters – an event which we regard as one of the most important sporting events in the country. We see a great synergy between golf and our company. This initiative achieves one of our goals of cementing Indonesia’s position as a key player in the world’s golfing community and we are delighted to be on board for what we believe will be splendid event. We are delighted to be a part of such a wonderful family of sponsors for golf in Indonesia.”

Through this new partnership, Garuda Indonesia will also enjoy multiple opportunities to leverage its brand through the strong international and local media platforms that the event offers including the Asian Tour’s global television platform, which reaches out to over 200 countries and 850 million households.

Asian Tour’s Executive Chairman, Kyi Hla Han praised the partnership with Garuda Indonesia saying that it was another strong endorsement for the Indonesian Masters and professional golf in the country.

“I would like to extend our fullest appreciation to Garuda Indonesia for its support towards the Indonesian Masters. This is a wonderful recognition towards the growing prestige of the Indonesian Masters,” said Han.

Garuda Indonesia’s corporate vision is to become a strong distinguished airline through providing quality services to serve people and goods around the world with Indonesian hospitality while its Corporate Mission is to be the flag carrier of Indonesia to the world, to support national economic development by delivering professional and profitable air travel services.

The Indonesian Masters is growing immensely following its launch this year as new sponsors such as Pelayaran Nasional Tanjungriau Service (PNTS), a leading demurrage solutions company, BMW (Official Car), Coca-Cola (Official Drinks Partner), Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta (Official Hotel), Thiess Indonesia (Main Partner), Navigat Energy (Main Partner) and San Miguel (Official Beer) have joined the stable of sponsors for the premier event.

The British Olympic Association (BOA) have  announced that they have signed the first tier one sponsorship deal for the 2013-2016 period with industry leading sportswear brand adidas.

This is the continuation of a mutually successful 28 year partnership.

Under the sponsorship deal, illness adidas will receive marketing rights to Team GB and will provide the BOA with all of its sportswear requirements, therapy including all competition and leisure wear for every athlete and team official participating in the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games across all sports, drugs as well as non-competition wear for all other Olympic youth festivals and Games.

The deal is made up of cash, value-in-kind and marketing support for kit launches. Under the licensing deal, adidas will create and market exclusive Team GB licensed products that will be retailed to the British public.

BOA Chief Executive and Team GB Chef de Mission for London 2012 Andy Hunt, said: “I am delighted that with over a year to go we have already secured our first tier one sponsorship deal for the 2013-2016 quadrennial. What makes it even more exciting is that it marks a significant kick-start to the British Olympic Association’s post-2012 commercial programme.

“adidas has been a highly valued supporter of the BOA for 28 years now. This makes them our longest serving partner and through this partnership, we will continue to mutually build and promote the Team GB brand as a valuable consumer and commercial entity.

“Our long partnership also means that adidas brings vast experience in terms of supplying high-performance sportswear for an incredibly diverse range of summer and winter Olympic sports. Furthermore, adidas provides Team GB with industry leading innovation and technology as well as operational and logistical support that is invaluable to an organisation with such complex supply requirements as the BOA.

“We are very proud to have a partner like adidas. For our athletes looking and feeling great certainly has an impact on performance and we are confident that with adidas on board, British athletes will not only continue to look and feel great, but they will also be wearing and competing in industry-leading products.”

Gil Steyaert, Managing Director of adidas Market North, added: “We are delighted to extend our deal with the BOA and illustrate our commitment to British sport beyond London 2012.  This unique partnership is one of the longest in British sporting history and demonstrates our unique multi-sport heritage and our continued on-going investment in sport throughout the UK.  In addition, we are able to illustrate our leadership in product innovation across many specialist sports as well as our rich legacy in the Games.

“No other brand has a more distinguished history or stronger connection with sport than adidas and we look forward to continuing our support for Team GB to 2016”.

The National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) have announced the renewal of their sponsorship agreements with Visa Canada, asthma making Visa the official payment card of the NHL and NHLPA.

Visa Canada will partner with both the league and its players through the current NHL season and two subsequent campaigns. Its previous three-year deal with the league expired at the end of the 2010-2011 season.

Kyle McMann, vice-president of partnership marketing for the NHL, said the league plans to highlight Visa’s status as “official” payment card – which was not a part of the previous sponsorship deal – in future marketing and sales initiatives.

“You’re going to see a lot more of an NHL push around Visa as the preferred card of the NHL in Canada,” said McMann. “We’re doing a lot more direct-to-fan applications and we’re embracing our card payment preference through our transaction business.”

He added that Visa’s “Hockey Love Hurts” campaign, which was introduced last season, would likely continue in some form.

“We know they certainly had a lot of success with “Hockey Love Hurts” and tagging it to a unique fan insight that no one else was attaching themselves to, and it really brought through the card utility,” said McMann.

“I think what we’ll see is an evolution of that campaign and we’re sitting down as we speak to work out what it’s going to turn into.”

Visa’s NHL and NHLPA sponsorships cover the Canadian market. The league has a separate partnership in the U.S. with the credit card company Discover.