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28th July, 2011
Red Bull China and Badminton England team up ahead of World Badminton Championships
Energy drinks giant Red Bull China has become the latest global brand name to team up with Badminton England, ahead of the sport's showpiece event – the Yonex BWF World Badminton Championships, London 2011 - at Wembley Arena in London between 8th and 14th August.
The sport's reputation as "the fastest racket sport on the planet" was reinforced as Red Bull China were unveiled as Official Supplier of the championships.
Over 250 million people across the globe play badminton on a regular basis and Red Bull China will tap into this passionate worldwide fan base as it turns its full attention to London this August.
Red Bull's arrangement with Badminton England as a major events partner for the Yonex BWF World Badminton Championships will see them enjoy high profile brand presence throughout Wembley Arena - an official London 2012 venue - during the week-long Championships.
There will also be branding court side, as the world's best badminton players do battle in front of a packed venue and a dedicated television audience in over twenty-five countries. Sky Sports and CCTV, China's largest domestic TV channel, are amongst the broadcasters beaming the action live worldwide.
Joan Zhang, Director of Sports Marketing for Red Bull China, said: "It is with real pleasure and genuine excitement that Red Bull China is now associated with a sporting event as spectacular as the Yonex BWF World Badminton Championships, London 2011. The fast paced action at the Yonex BWF World Badminton Championships is a perfect match with RedBull's other sporting interests so we are happy to put all our energies into working with BADMINTON England to make the Championships a huge success".
Adrian Christy, Chief Executive of Badminton England said of the relationship: "It is a major step forward for badminton to bring on board such an established brand name such as Red Bull China, ahead of the Yonex BWF World Badminton Championships on home soil at Wembley Arena.
"Attracting partners of this calibre will continue to help us move the sport further into the spotlight and encourage new audiences to 'rethink' badminton, both on the back of the Yonex BWF World Badminton Championships and also in the run up to next summer, when Wembley Arena will, once again, play host to the world's best players for London 2012".
26th July, 2011
Tate and Vodafone begin new partnership by launching Tate Debates
Tate and Vodafone have announced a new partnership to develop online and mobile technologies for Tate’s galleries and website.
The partnership launches with Tate Debates, a weekly online discussion on Tate's blog to encourage people to share their ideas and opinions about art. In the coming year Vodafone will continue to support Tate's digital activities, working together to bring new technology into use in the galleries and on the internet.
Further projects will be instigated over the coming months, including the creation of mobile services to complement Tate's website, which receives over eighteen million visitors a year.
Tate Debates, sponsored by Vodafone, launches this week as the latest way audiences can interact and engage with Tate. Hosted on www.tate.org.uk, it will offer online visitors a chance to come together and discuss artists, exhibitions and wider issues relating to galleries and the visual arts. On Thursday, 28th July, and every Thursday morning after that, a question or topic will be announced around which people can debate their ideas over the following two-day period. The first question will ask what people want from mobile apps in galleries and museums, while future topics will include questions about art education, design and architecture, and the history of art collections.
This interactive forum is designed to encourage more public engagement in art as well as to deepen Tate's relationship with its online communities, which already include a network of over 263,000 Facebook fans and 392,000 Twitter followers.
As the partnership develops, Vodafone's expertise will allow Tate to continue its pioneering use of the latest technologies within the museums sector. Further plans will take shape as the relationship progresses, finding innovative ways to use mobile devices and apps within the gallery.
Marc Sands, Director, Tate Media, said: "Tate is delighted to be working together with Vodafone on Tate Debates and we look forward to realising many new projects in the future. Engaging with a global online audience, as well as our millions of gallery visitors, is an increasingly important part of what Tate does and I am sure our work with Vodafone will open up even more exciting and diverse ways to make this possible".
Lee Epting, Group Content Director, Vodafone, said: "We are very pleased to announce our partnership with Tate and are excited about the opportunities to work with them to develop mobile services for Tate, their members and visitors".
25th July, 2011
McDonalds® unveils sponsorship plans for London 2012 Olympic Games
OAK BROOK, Ill. – McDonald’s Corporation, a Worldwide Olympic Partner and Official Restaurant of the Olympic Games, has announced its sponsorship plans for London 2012 that will focus on "championing happy, active kids".
The new McDonald's Champions of Play for the Olympic Games features five-time U.S. Olympic swimmer and mother, Dara Torres as the global ambassador.
Building on the success of McDonald's kids' programme at the Olympic Games in Beijing and Vancouver, McDonald's Champions of Play for the Olympic Games will bring kids from around the world together for a unique experience in London. The new global programme, say the company, will encourage a balanced approach to nutrition and activity for children.
Participating McDonald's countries will initiate grassroots activities for children aged 6 to 10. Through a local market selection process, up to two hundred children and a guardian will travel to London for the 2012 Olympic Games.
"For the first time ever, McDonald's Champions of Play for the Olympic Games will tour and play with athletes at the actual Olympic venues", said Kevin Newell, McDonald's Global Chief Brand Officer. "This will be an unforgettable, inspiring moment for our champions, along with attending the Games, seeing McDonald's Chef demonstrations, taking an exclusive tour of the Olympic Village dining area, visiting London's cultural sites and making new friends".
International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said: "McDonald's has been a long-time and valued partner of the Olympic Movement. We appreciate McDonald's incredible ability to reach millions of fans with innovative, inspiring programmes that connect with the Olympic Spirit. We are working together to promote sport and inspire children around the world to lead balanced, active lifestyles".
Other elements of the McDonald's Champions of Play for the Olympic Games programme will include:
• A website offering balanced eating and fun play facts, and challenges
• Digital engagement – allowing kids everywhere to track their physical activities online
• Special Happy Meal packaging featuring information and tips on balanced eating and fun play
Programme ambassador Dara Torres said: "I want to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families, so it's a natural fit for me to join McDonald's today, and in the years ahead, as we inspire happy and active kids. Together, through the new McDonald's Champions of Play for the Olympic Games, we can reach millions of people about the benefits of balanced food choices and play for kids everywhere".
As the Official Restaurant of the Olympic Games, McDonald's is the only branded retail food service provider to feed the athletes. McDonald's will have four new Olympic venue restaurants: one in the Olympic Village, one in the Main Press Centre and two in the Olympic Park for spectators – one of which will be the largest McDonald's freestanding restaurant in the world.
McDonald’s will offer a variety of familiar favourites and popular items from the UK. To help celebrate the connection between the Olympics and families, McDonald's will serve its Happy Meal® for the first time in its Olympic venue restaurants, including fruit, vegetable and dairy options.
"Competing at the Olympic level is the result of thousands of hours of dedication in many areas, including nutrition. Having access to familiar, quality food in the Athlete's Village can support our athletes' success at the Games", said Dr. Nanna Meyer, RD, CSSD, U.S. Olympic Committee Senior Sports Dietician. "When it comes to food, athletes love options. It's great that McDonald's offers a range of balanced choices, which can easily fit into the eating patterns of athletes of all ages and different physical demands".
As part of the company’s commitment to food quality, McDonald's UK has opened its doors for customers and media to see some of the 17,500 British and Irish farms that provide the quality ingredients and food for McDonald's UK menu, and the London 2012 Olympic Games.
"By opening up our supply chain, we are allowing people to see for themselves the high-quality ingredients that make up our menu – everything from beef, to lettuce and potatoes", said Jill McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, McDonald's UK. "We are championing the farmers who supply our restaurants throughout the UK every day, and who will also help us supply food to our four Olympic restaurants at the Games".
McDonald's best-of-the-best crew and managers will work at its Olympic venue restaurants. In the next year, McDonald's will select 2,000 of its top-performing restaurant staff from the UK and around the world – the largest Olympic team ever assembled – to serve the world's top athletes, coaches, spectators, media and officials at the Games. These brand ambassadors will have the opportunity to meet Olympic athletes, attend competitions, participate in their own sports and activities in the Royal Parks, visit cultural sites in London, and socialise with their international peers.
22nd July, 2011
Mizuno announces sponsorship of new RunLiverpool Marathon
Mizuno, leading supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel, has announced its partnering of the new RunLiverpool Marathon, as official footwear and sportswear sponsor.
The 2011 race, which takes place on Sunday, October 9th, will be the first to be held in the city for over twenty years and is set to be a high-profile annual event in Liverpool's sporting calendar, with organisers RunLiverpool expecting the race to attract an estimated 12,000 participants.
As part of the sponsorship celebration, Mizuno have given ten pairs of
running shoes and T-shirts to Liverpool Unites, one of the event's charity
partners who will be donating them to Alder Hey Children's Hospital to
assist in patients' long-term care and recovery plans.
Mizuno has a long heritage of sponsoring esteemed international running
races. The RunLiverpool Marathon will be joining Barcelona, Milan,
Amsterdam and Osaka to be the fifth and only UK marathon in their running
series, which also includes the Royal Parks Half Marathon and the Nice Half
Marathon.
Leading the field in terms of their research, design and innovation, Mizuno
will be commencing their Mizuno Tech Tour exclusively at The RunLiverpool
Marathon. The brand's purpose-built Mizuno Tech Tour vehicle will be a
popular attraction at the Marathon with a footwear display, Mizuno's own
PrecisionFit analysis tool and treadmill facilities.
Mizuno will help runners choose the best footwear for their individual
biomechanics and assess technique before identifying the best Mizuno
shoe to maximise their personal performance.
The Mizuno Tech Tour vehicle will embark on a twelve-month tour of UK
race events following the completion of the RunLiverpool Marathon.
The RunLiverpool Marathon will also give Mizuno the opportunity to showcase
its performance range of running shoes and apparel with a retail area
located adjacent to the finishing line. Key race staff and marshals will be
fitted in Mizuno running-wear and the brand will also provide celebrity
runners with apparel and footwear.
"We are delighted to confirm our support of the RunLiverpool Marathon",
said Paul Stevens, Mizuno's Head of UK Sport. "The international focus on the Liverpool City region's inaugural marathon
was a natural fit for Mizuno and the brand's Running Series. The new
partnership demonstrates our continued commitment both to the new event and
to the global running community. Mizuno is delighted to be adding another premier running event to our
global sponsorship portfolio and we look forward to being involved in this
prestigious race".
Race Director Alan Rothwell said:
"Liverpool is recognised as an international running centre of excellence
and Mizuno is the perfect brand to align with this new long distance event
taking place in the city region. The Mizuno brand is synonymous with exemplary performance, and we are
delighted to welcome Mizuno onboard as a sponsor of the RunLiverpool
Marathon".
The 26.2-mile RunLiverpool Marathon route has been designed specifically to
take in some of the best-known sights on both sides of the Mersey.
To date, the marathon has seen registrations come in from the UK, along
with European entries including The Netherlands, France, Poland, Austria,
and international registrations from United Arab Emirates, USA and
Australia.
An estimated 30,000 visitors are expected to stay in the city during
Marathon weekend.
16th July, 2011
Sunderland appoint Essentially Group as their sponsorship agency
Sunderland AFC has announced the appointment of Essentially Group as its exclusive sponsorship agency, covering all territories from immediate effect.
Essentially is responsible for developing and implementing Sunderland's sponsorship strategy to appeal to both UK and international brands who want to be part of Sunderland's future.
In addition Essentially will be responsible for Sunderland's international marketing strategy.
SAFC CEO Margaret Byrne said: "Essentially have a proven track record in delivering quality commercial programmes and sponsors in other major sports and we were very impressed with their desire to bring this experience and expertise to Premier League football. We are also delighted they saw the same opportunities that we do at The Stadium of Light and look forward to working in partnership with them".
Commenting on behalf of Essentially, Nick Hoyle, Sales Director, added: "Sunderland have clearly signalled their intentions with the signing of nine new players. We are very excited to be part of the club's journey and look forward to enjoying the shared success both on and off the pitch".
Sunderland has secured the permanent signing of nine players in advance of the 2011/2012 Season, including Connor Wickham, Craig Gardner, Seb Larsson, Keiren Westwood, Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Korean striker Ji Dong-Won, on the back of which the club is aiming to build and improve on last season's tenth place finish.
11th May, 2011
Thomas Cook Sport announce partnership with Arsenal FC
Thomas Cook Sport has announced that from the start of the 2011/2012 football season it will return as Arsenal FC's official travel partner, following on from its successful partnership with the club from 2004 until the start of last season.
"Renewing its excellent working relationship with Arsenal FC - providing travel for supporters, teams and officials - Thomas Cook Sport's outstanding service to football clubs across the UK is now recognised with it the sole travel provider for all Britain's teams in the UEFA Champions League", says the company.
Thomas Cook Sport's Champions League campaign starts with Arsenal FC's Qualifier to be drawn on 5th August, 2011, with the first leg played on the 16th or 17th August. Thomas Cook Sport will also provide Match Breaks for domestic fixtures at the Emirates Stadium, to include accommodation and a guaranteed match ticket.
Danny Talbot, managing director of Thomas Cook Sport said: "It's fantastic news that Thomas Cook Sport are once again teaming up with Arsenal Football Club, meaning we're now the official travel partner for the Premier League's top seven clubs from last season.
"This is true testament to our expertise, the hard work of our team and the fantastic customer service we provide, and we're looking forward to once again picking up our great relationship with Arsenal Football Club and its fans".
Vinai Venkatesham, head of global partnerships at Arsenal, said: "On behalf of everyone at Arsenal we are delighted to be renewing an excellent relationship with Thomas Cook Sport as our travel partner. Thomas Cook are a leader in sports travel and their commitment to our fans, players and everyone connected with the Club is vitally important as we look ahead to a successful campaign home and away in the 2011/2012 season".
Thomas Cook Sport was Arsenal Football Club's Official Travel Partner from 2004 to 2010 and will once again be the club's travel provider for fans, players and officials. The company, launched six years ago, is the largest sports tour operator in the UK.
6th July, 2011
Tate extends its focus to African art through new partnership with Guaranty Trust Bank
Tate and Guaranty Trust Bank have announced a new partnership which will broaden Tate's international reach to Africa, provide a platform for African artists to be seen by audiences worldwide and heighten awareness of the impact of African art on modern and contemporary practice.
The legacy and current influence of art produced in areas outside Europe and North America has been a focus for Tate in recent years and this, says the gallery group, presents an unprecedented opportunity to examine Africa’s role at the heart of global artistic developments.
The partnership will involve the creation of a dedicated curatorial post at Tate Modern to focus on African art, an Acquisition Fund to enable the gallery to enhance its holdings of work by African artists and an annual project.
The Curator International Art, supported by Guaranty Trust Bank, will develop links with artists based in Africa and exchange knowledge and expertise with Africa’s artistic  community. With inspiration from art spaces, art organisations and art festivals in Nigeria and throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, a programme to show African artists to as wide an audience as possible will be facilitated through new media, seminars and displays both at Tate and in Africa. As well as exploring contemporary practice in the region, the new Curator will help to deepen knowledge and understanding of the impact of art from the world’s second-largest continent.
Guaranty Trust Bank will also provide Tate with an Acquisition Fund to purchase works of art from the area for Tate Collection.
An annual project will also be established. The first of these will be an exhibition titled Contested Terrains, on display in Tate Modern's Level 2 Gallery from 29th July to 16th October. Co-curated by Tate and Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) Lagos curators, the exhibition will travel to CCA Lagos from 21st January to 3rd March, 2012. The display, comprising around twenty works, will bring together four emerging and recently established contemporary African artists: Adolphus Opara (b. 1981 Nigeria), Michael MacGarry (b. 1978 South Africa), Sammy Baloji (b. 1978 Democratic Republic of Congo) and Kader Attia (b. 1970 France). These artists each reclaim and subvert assumptions about Africa's past and present, explains the gallery, exploring current political and social concerns both at a domestic level and across the world. The artists will be in discussion with the curators in a public event at Tate Modern on Saturday, 30th July, debating the role of research in artistic practice and the role of art in mediating the past and present.
Global awareness of the richness and prolific nature of current artistic production in Africa is steadily growing. It is hoped new parameters in art from the region will be defined and explored, stimulating cultural debate.
Over 100 works of art by African artists are currently held in Tate Collection, mainly from north and south Africa. It is anticipated that these holdings will be substantially added to in the coming years, with works from sub-Saharan countries in particular, providing an invaluable resource for future generations and firmly placing these artists from the whole continent at the heart of the contemporary art world.
Chris Dercon, Director, Tate Modern said: "This important partnership between Tate and GTB marks the recognition of the significance of modern and contemporary art in Africa. We now have an unprecedented opportunity to work with colleagues in the region, with energy, curiosity and eagerness, to define new parameters in art. This is the beginning of being able to give African art the focus it deserves with audiences around the world".
Segun Agbaje, Acting Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank said: "Today we announce an important partnership between TATE and Guaranty Trust Bank plc in memory and recognition of Tayo Aderinokun MFR, the Bank's Managing Director/CEO, who passed away recently. Mr. Aderinokun's passion for Nigerian and African art/artists is as vivid and inspiring for all of us today, as were his leadership values which enabled him to build Guaranty Trust Bank plc into an innovative and successful international financial institution.
"We are embracing his legacy, aware that investing in African art for Guaranty Trust Bank plc means supporting African human talent, safe guarding African heritage for future generations and also enhancing the perception of our continent and country by the rest of the world.
"Guaranty Trust Bank plc has committed along with its African and international stakeholders to strive together with Tate, African artists, curators and cultural institutions to contribute to this ambitious goal.".
4th July, 2011
Coutts & Co sponsors Propeller theatre company's 2011-12 UK Tour
Coutts & Co has announced its sponsorship of Propeller's new season in 2011-12. Edward Hall, Artistic Director of Propeller, will direct Henry V and The Winter’s Tale which will both tour nationally and internationally.
Propeller is one of the most celebrated and innovative Shakespeare theatre companies. It was formed in the mid-1990s by Edward Hall at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury.
It was founded with the desire to produce plays with great clarity, speed and as much imagination in the staging as possible. The company has also been influenced by mask work, animation and classic and modern film and music from all ages.
As sponsor of the tour, Coutts will be entertaining clients throughout the UK across its regional and London offices.
Michael Morley, Chief Executive of Coutts & Co. said: "We have a long history of supporting theatre and the arts. This is the fourth year that we have sponsored Propeller and we are delighted to continue this relationship. Under Edward Hall's imaginative directive and ingenuity, Propeller, without fail, captivates us and our clients with its refreshing approach to classic plays.
"Many arts-based companies, particularly those which have charitable status, are struggling financially. We truly believe it is essential that we help to maintain the very best of British theatre for future generations".
Henry V is one of the greatest tales in English folklore about a British warrior. It is set in a time when nationalism is at its most dangerous and exciting. As increasing numbers of British servicemen and women are seeing active service, Propeller brings its own unique take on one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. Thrilling and deeply moving, Henry V marks the beginning of a journey that takes us from the corridors of Westminster to the fields of France in an evening of unforgettable power.
The Winter's Tale is a tragic fairytale which tells the mysterious and extraordinary story of a man consumed by an inexplicable jealousy that destroys his family, his kingdom and himself. Wracked by guilt, Leontes sets off a chain reaction of events that leads to a miraculous climax and the chance of redemption. This is a re-visiting of Propeller's highly acclaimed 2005 production.
Further information on the Propeller 2011-12 tour, including tour dates, will be announced in due course.
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