Toyota Adds Six Summer Sports -- Sponsor Spotlight

(ATR) Olympic TOP sponsor Toyota is growing its portfolio of Olympic and Paralympic sports in the United States.

The company announced this week the addition of six summer National Governing Body (NGB) partnerships.

The National Wheelchair Basketball Association, USA Skateboarding, USA Surfing, USA Swimming, USA Track & Field, and USA Triathlon are joining three existing Paralympic summer NGBs (U.S. Paralympics Track & Field, U.S. Paralympics Swimming and U.S. Paralympics Cycling) on the Toyota roster.

All told, the company now has 16 Olympic and Paralympic winter and summer partnerships.

Toyota says as part of each partnership it will support the NGB in promoting its individual sport as well as the competitive success of its athletes.

"As we look toward the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, Toyota’s partnership with these six summer NGBs allows us to reinforce our mobility message to new audiences," said Ed Laukes, group vice president, Toyota Marketing, Toyota Motor North America.

"By working with traditional Olympic and Paralympic sports, as well as new and exciting additions to the Olympic Games, we can expand our reach in key markets and tap into the passionate fan base that can be found within each of these NGBs."

Skateboarding and surfing will both be making Olympic debuts in Tokyo.

"We’re approaching a watershed moment in the history of skateboarding," Josh Friedberg, USA Skateboarding CEO, said in a statement.

"With Toyota’s support, not only are we going to be able to give American skateboarders their best opportunity for Olympic glory in Tokyo, we’re also going to be able to share that story of what makes skateboarding special with everyone along the way. We can’t wait to get rolling!"

Tennis Europe Signs Extension with HEAD

Leading tennis equipment manufacturer HEAD and Tennis Europe announce an extension to their partnership that began in 2007.

HEAD will remain the European Tennis Federation’s Official Racquet, Tennis Ball and Tennis Bag through 2021. In addition, the new agreement calls for HEAD to be promoted as the Recommended Ball of the Tennis Europe Junior Tour as well as Tennis Europe’s Official Sportswear & Footwear Partner.

The first event under the new partnership will be the 43rd edition of the sport’s largest indoor team event, the Tennis Europe Winter Cups by HEAD, which begins later this month.

So far, 188 national junior teams have signed on to compete across the three age categories.

HEAD will also continue to serve as title sponsor of the 12 & Under summer team event, the Tennis Europe Nations Challenge by HEAD, and as Official Partner of the Tour’s most prestigious individual events, the European Junior Championships, and the season-ending Tennis Europe Junior Masters.

Ottmar Barbian, Executive Vice President of HEAD Racquetsports, said in a statement "it was an easy decision" to renew the contract with Tennis Europe.

"HEAD is committed to supporting the sport of tennis at a grassroots level. The cooperation with Tennis Europe is a significant part of that commitment," Barbian said.

"Together, we can make a difference where it really matters: with young talents that have a passion for the game and compete on the highest level. They are the future of tennis."

Written by Gerard Farek

For general comments or questions,click here.

25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.