International Paralympic Committee postpones events following Mexico City earthquake

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has today postponed its World Championships in powerlifting and swimming following the earthquake in Mexico City.

The decision was taken following an assessment of the current situation and after close liaison with the Local Organising Committee and the City of Mexico government.

The 2017 Para Sport Festival, incorporating both championships, was originally scheduled to run from 30 September to 6 October in the Mexican capital.

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “Following the terrible earthquake our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the people of Mexico at this time. The tragic loss of life and devastation caused is heart breaking to see and our deepest sympathies are with all those involved.

“As a result of this tragedy, we are in full agreement that the immediate focus of the Mexican authorities should be on prioritising recovery and rebuilding for the Mexican people and not organising two major international sport events.

“Therefore, we have agreed with the Local Organising Committee and City of Mexico government to postpone the upcoming World Championships in Para swimming and Para powerlifting until further notice.

“I know the postponement of both Championships will be disappointing news to all the athletes who were set to take part, however these are unique circumstances and quite simply this is the right thing to do at the moment.

“Our immediate priority now is to work with the team delegations currently in Mexico City to ensure their safe departure. We will then assess whether we can re-organise these Championships in the near future in Mexico City or seek alternatives.”

ESPN announce deal to broadcast all NBL vs NBA pre-season games in Australia

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and ESPN announced today that the three 2017 NBA pre-season games in the USA will be televised live in Australia on ESPN.

Sydney Kings vs. the Utah Jazz, Melbourne United vs. Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brisbane Bullets vs. the Phoenix Suns will all be featured between October 3rd and October 14th.

The fixtures mark the first time that NBL teams will travel to the USA to play against NBA teams. In addition to ESPN’s television broadcast, the games will also be available through NBA LEAGUE PASS, the league’s live game subscription service.

“We are excited to be able to have these games broadcast live in Australia,” said Jeremy Loeliger, chief executive of the NBL.

“It’s a great opportunity showcase Australian basketball on the biggest basketball stage in the world. While this is a first for the NBL, we hope these games can become a regular event in years to come.”

Brentford Football Club and Reliable Networks announce new partnership

Brentford Football Club and Reliable Networks have today announced a new partnership.

The IT Managed Support and Security Services company has agreed a deal to become an Official Club Supplier to Championship outfit, continuing a long-standing relationship.

James Parkinson, Brentford Football Club Commercial Director, said: “Paul Fisher and his team at Reliable Networks have shown tremendous support in their engagement with the Bees. With the introduction of LED Partnerships at Griffin Park we are delighted that Reliable are continuing their association with the Club during these exciting times.

Paul Fisher, Reliable Networks Managing Director, added: “We have worked with Brentford Football Club for more than nine years to date and we are enthused by the growth and ambition of the Club on and off the pitch.

“We are looking forward to a great season in the Championship, particularly as the journey continues towards the new stadium.”

The London-based firm has been working with the Club, and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, for almost a decade and has been involved in several sponsorships and initiatives.

SportAccord convention reveals action-packed MediaAccord conference for it sports business summit in Bangkok

SportAccord Convention is delighted to reveal the MediaAccord Conference Programme ‘Breaking New Ground – Areas of Opportunity in the Media Landscape’ under the overarching theme of marketing and sponsorship for its 16th edition in Bangkok, Thailand.

MediaAccord, one of the five conference programme streams at the SportAccord Convention, is set to take place on Thursday, 19 April 2018 and promises to be an action-packed afternoon. Kicking off at 13:30 with a media interview, delegates will get to hear the latest coming out of PyeongChang 2018.

This will follow with a scene setter ‘Changing media consumption demographics’ and look at the rapidly-changing media landscape and how best to take advantage of the myriad new technologies available.

Millennials are currently the largest living generation, the most lucrative market in the world, and have the largest annual buying power. They rarely watch television and traditional websites, marketing and advertising channels fail to register.


They value authenticity and like to align themselves with organisations doing good in the world and give support to brands and events who have similar values. This panel session will examine how sport and media can do their jobs effectively when demographics, technology and priorities are forever shifting.

User-generated content (UGC) is playing a larger and more complex role in many aspects of sports brands, events, revenue generation and sponsorship. MediaAccord will host a round table and look at whether’ UGC is a threat or a bonus’ at this conference session.

‘Sports Apps for Dummies’ will provide the final session for MediaAccord. A fast-paced interactive Q&A is planned with knowledge experts providing insight in to how a whole range of user content can revolutionise a sport including athletes and fans, as well make an impact on your bottom line.

Any organisation involved in the business of sport can register and take part in SportAccord Convention.

Delegate passes are currently available at CHF2,000 for a limited time only, providing access to the most prestigious network of key decision-makers in sport, the full conference programme, exhibition, social events including the Opening Ceremony and Closing Event, luncheons, evening cocktails and much more.

Further ground-breaking insights from leading experts can be seen from last year’s MediaAccord conference sessions including Greg Stremlaw who explained how CBC created a pioneering public broadcasting partnership model for the Rio Games; a panel session focused on both practical and strategic ways of enhancing relationships with media to tell better stories that fans and the public want to hear; discover how FIVB sought to maximise media exposure and its public profile for the sport; and from Nielsen Sports, understanding the changing trends in audience habits and media consumption.

ATP announce J.P. Morgan as platinum partner of the Nitto ATP Finals

The ATP today announced a new partnership that will see J. P. Morgan become a Platinum Partner and Official Banking Partner of the Nitto ATP Finals beginning in 2017.

The news follows May’s announcement that the world’s biggest indoor tennis tournament would remain at The O2 in London until 2020.

Chris Kermode, ATP Executive Chairman & President, said: “Our season finale in London has enjoyed great success since 2009, and continues to grow on a global level, attracting more than 100 million broadcast viewers in 2016.

“Today, we’re delighted to welcome J.P. Morgan as partner to our prestigious showcase event.

“This new agreement is a testament to what we have built over the last eight years at The O2, and we look forward to growing the tournament’s success even more with the support of such a world-renowned brand.”

Vis Raghavan, J.P. Morgan’s Head of Banking for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa and Deputy CEO of the region, added: “The Nitto ATP Finals tournament is the perfect fit for J.P. Morgan.

“The competition features the world’s best singles and doubles players at the top of their game. Earning a coveted spot at the season showdown is a result of hard work, focus and success throughout the year – all values we share at J.P. Morgan.”

Rio Ferdinand partners with online bookmaker Betfair to take on professional boxing

Online bookmaker Betfair has announced a partnership with Rio Ferdinand aimed at helping the former Manchester United and England defender to launch a professional boxing career.

Stephen Mault, Brand Director UK & Ireland – ‎Betfair, said: “Betfair is dedicated to supporting Rio Ferdinand throughout this ground-breaking sporting transformation.

“Rio stood out as the perfect personality to undertake this challenge, as he knows all about the hard work and dedication it takes to succeed. With Rio’s sporting pedigree, our support network, and a lot of hard work, we’re all confident that Rio can compete for a belt.”

As part of the ‘Defender to Contender’ campaign, Betfair is assembling a team of world-class boxing and conditioning experts to support Ferdinand as he attempts to qualify for his British Boxing Board of Control (BBBOC) licence and potentially compete for a title belt.

Ferdinand said of his new challenge: “When Betfair approached me about the Defender to Contender challenge, the chance to prove myself in a new sport was a real draw.

“Boxing is an amazing sport for the mind and the body. I have always had a passion for it and this challenge is the perfect opportunity to show people what’s possible.”

Betfair is also planning to introduce a number of former and current boxers to Ferdinand at key points of the campaign to help him prepare for specific fights and hone specific skills.

Chelsea Football Club extend relationship with official beer partner Singha

Chelsea Football Club and official beer partner Singha have today extended their relationship for a further two years.

The commitment brings a continuation of the Premier League club’s longest-running partnership, which began in 2010 and has seen Singha served exclusively at Stamford Bridge since, with over 330,000 pints poured at the stadium each season.

Chris Townsend, Chelsea FC commercial director, said: “We are delighted to continue our long-term partnership with Singha. It is always popular at Stamford Bridge but it is fair to say our partnership stretches far beyond south-west London, as we have built such a close bond with the great country of Thailand.

“Through matches, community programmes and the work undertaken with Singha and our other partners, we have seen first-hand what a passionate fanbase we have in Thailand and we look forward to this continued partnership keeping Chelsea as close as ever to the Thai people.”

Voravud Bhirombhakdi, Singha vice managing director, added: “We began our official partnership with Chelsea Football Club seven years ago and it has been a wonderful experience for Singha to be involved with the club during this highly successful period in their history.

“With the continuation of our long-running relationship, we look forward to furthering the good work we have done together in promoting the development of football in Thailand, raising the international profile of Chelsea and engaging with their ever-growing fan base.”

Chelsea’s first team visited Singha in Thailand for matches in 2011, 2013 and 2015 while the Academy also toured Bangkok in 2012.

Yale unveils new brand partnership with MotoGP

Yale has today unveiled a new brand partnership with MotoGP, the FIM MotoGP World Championship.

Yale, one of the longest established, original manufacturers of lift trucks and warehouse equipment in the world, has been appointed as the designated Forklift Supplier to MotoGP.

By associating with MotoGP, Yale is aiming to take its own technology-led and forward-looking brand to new audiences, and to engage with other suppliers and partners of the championship.

Harry Sands, Managing Director of Yale EMEA, said: “When we were looking for a brand partner, MotoGP stood out as the obvious choice due to our shared principles and characteristics such as agility, high performance and innovative thinking.

“We feel that the values held by MotoGP align perfectly with what Yale stands for, and we look forward to displaying these attributes in the exciting and forward-thinking environment that MotoGP provides.”

Pau Serracanta, Managing Director, Commercial Area, Dorna Sports, added: “We are very excited to have Yale on board as our forklift partner. Yale shares similar passions and values that fit in with the excitement and creativity that we have on display at our events.

“Logistics is an essential part in what keeps the MotoGP Championship running smoothly around the globe. We hope that this collaboration can be the beginning of a long and productive relationship between the two brands.”

Formula E join forces with The Climate Group to promote electric vehicles

Formula E has teamed up with The Climate Group as a Global Ambassador for EV100, to help promote the widespread of electric vehicles.

The Climate Group is an international non-profit organisation specialising in bold and high-impact climate and energy initiatives with the world’s leading businesses, states and regional governments.

EV100 is the only initiative of its kind to actively encourage world-leading companies to commit to the quicker and smoother transition to electric, helping to deliver on sustainability goals and future-proofing operations.

Brands such as Unilever, Baidu, IKEA Group and DHL are already members of EV100, pledging to implement charging schemes in the workplace and swapping current diesel and petrol fleets to fully-electric by 2030.

 The Climate Group has also joined the FIA Formula E Championship as an Official and International Foundation Partner, alongside the existing partnership with Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. 

The announcement was made during Climate Week in New York.

Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E, said: “I’m delighted that Formula E has joined forces with The Climate Group and the EV100 initiative, as a partner to promote electric and sustainable mobility.

“Formula E is here to make its contribution, offering an R&D platform to accelerate the rate of technological development and favouring a quicker and smoother transition towards clean energy. Our vision is that one day every car in the world will be electric and at every race we stage – in some of the best cities in the world – we want to demonstrate how cool and exciting these cars can be.

“Our partnership with The Climate Group is proof that change is already happening and causing a positive shift in attitude towards cleaner transportation. Formula E shows that electric isn’t just the technology of the future – it’s the technology of today. I’m glad to see other leading companies follow suit as part of this new agreement.”

Aston Villa announce Utilita as new Official Energy Partner and Supplier

Aston Villa Football Club has announced Utilita as its new Official Energy Partner and Official Energy Supplier.

Luke Organ, the club’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Aston Villa are extremely pleased to welcome Utilita to a growing partner family. We are excited about building a relationship based on credence and data insight to drive benefit for our fans, our club and Utilita themselves.

“We look forward to working closely with the team to strengthen their brand and deploy advanced acquisition campaigns and to see some exciting programmes come to life.”

Shaun Underwood, Director of Utilita Commercial Energy, added: “Our offer to businesses is disrupting the energy sector as we finally give Britain’s hard-pressed SMEs the fairer, flexible and transparent energy offer they deserve.

“We are thrilled to welcome Aston Villa on board and to be powering such an iconic stadium such as Villa Park, as well as the club’s state-of-the-art Bodymoor Heath training centre.”

As part of the partnership, Utilita branding has been installed on the dugouts at Villa Park and will also be prominent next to each goal. The company will have their logo displayed on Villa’s LED perimeter signage and elsewhere on the club’s digital platforms.

Utilita was the first independent challenger to the so-called ‘Big Six’ energy providers in the domestic market and in 2008 became the first to install smart meters to help customers better manage their energy usage.

The company now has 555,000 domestic customers, 1750 staff and operates out of 11 geographic locations across the UK.