USA Softball Gets Big League Backing -- Sponsor Spotlight

(ATR) Major League Baseball steps up to the plate as the presenting sponsor for USA Softball’s "Stand Beside Her" tour.

Beginning next month the 2020 USA Softball women’s national team will visit more than 35 cities throughout the United States, training and playing exhibition contests in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

As the presenting sponsor of the "Stand Beside Her" tour, MLB will work in conjunction with USA Softball in select cities to host "PLAY BALL" events, MLB’s signature youth engagement activity of which USA Softball is a flagship partner.

"USA Softball is extremely grateful for the support of Major League Baseball (MLB)," said USA Softball Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Craig Cress.

"We’ve had a strong relationship with MLB since 2015 when we joined the ‘PLAY BALL’ initiative, and their commitment shown not only to our Women’s National Team athletes but for grassroots development, is simply unmatched."

As part of the partnership, the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida, which is operated by MLB, will be the Official Training Facility of the USA Softball National Teams.

"The players on Team USA share our commitment to growing softball, and we look forward to joining them as they inspire young women to play the sport," said Tony Reagins, Executive Vice President of Baseball Development, Major League Baseball.

"Representing your country on any international platform is an honor, but doing so on the Olympic stage is the pinnacle. We are thrilled to be along for their incredible ride."

USA Team Handball, Verizon Ink Deal

USA Team Handball teams up with communications and technology giant Verizon.

The company will serve as the founding partner of USA Team Handball through 2020, with opportunity to extend the deal through 2024.

Verizon will also become the official jersey partner in addition to "a full package of marketing assets", according to USA Team Handball.

"With Verizon’s help and partnership moving forward, I am sure that our efforts to make team handball America's Next Great Sport will see significant progress in 2020 and beyond," said Barry Siff, CEO of USA Team Handball, in a statement.

Verizon will be integrated across all of USA Team Handball’s partnership programs, including the U.S. Women’s & Men’s National Teams, USA Beach Handball, and the Collegiate National Championships.

Verizon will also receive nationwide media coverage and create engaging content for the USA Team Handball Open Tryouts Powered by Verizon, scheduled for early 2020.

Rugby World Cup 2023 Travel Program

Groupe Couleur appointed exclusive global rights holder for the Rugby World Cup 2023 Official Travel Program.

World Rugby and the France 2023 organizing committee announced the decision this week.For the first time, the official travel and hospitality program is under the control of the organizing committee of the Rugby World Cup.

Groupe Couleur, a leader in the major event travel marketplace, will manage the official travel agent appointment process, which has now begun. Agents around the world have until March 31 to register their interest.

Rugby World Cup 2023 Official Travel Agents will be appointed in September, with sales of ticket-inclusive packages launching in early 2021.

France 2023 Organizing Committee CEO Claude Atcher said: "After a very successful Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, France is determined to perform at its absolute best and has already proudly shown its willingness to deliver a gigantic and memorable festival of rugby, friendship and culture.

"To achieve our goals, the France 2023 organising committee is committed to taking an innovative and new approach to major programs, including the Official Travel Program."

Groupe Couleur will manage all operational responsibilities of the official travel program, from appointing the official travel agents to delivering the tickets and ensuring all marketing guidelines are executed and monitored according to the objectives of the tournament. The France 2023 Organizing Committee and World Rugby will have oversight.

Homepage photo: USA Softball

Written by Gerard Farek

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