Athletics Ireland and New Balance yesterday announced a new multiyear partnership for the company to outfit the Irish track & field team. The team's first collection will be green and white with a gold trim (New Balance). The IRISH EXAMINER's Feidhlim Kelly notes Irish distance runner Fionnuala Britton was the “headline athlete at the announcement.” Britton’s contract is “set to run for four years" with New Balance, while Athletics Ireland’s preliminary contract is “set for three years and should be worth close to six figures” (IRISH EXAMINER, 1/30).
TEST YOUR MEDAL: In London, Jonathan Russell noted British companies that “played a key role in creating the London Olympics will be allowed to use their involvement in the Games to promote themselves under a new licensing agreement.” The “unsung businesses that helped design, build and run the venues, including the Olympic Park in Stratford, will be able to apply to be recognised as participants in creating the 2012 Games.” The deal between the U.K. government, the British Olympic Association and the IOC is the “first of its kind after an Olympic Games” (London TELEGRAPH, 1/29).
OUT OF THIS WORLD: In L.A., Eric Pincus noted Lakers C Dwight Howard at the Feb. 17 NBA All-Star Game in Houston “will debut a special NBA All-Star edition” of the adidas "D Howard Light." adidas said that the signature shoe “features a design based on speed, style and Houston's ‘history of aviation'" (LATIMES.com, 1/29).
FAMILY FIRST: In Tulsa, Kevin Henry notes former NBAer Desmond Mason and his family will be featured in a new ad campaign from Procter & Gamble entitled "The Everyday Effect." Mason's family was “suggested to P&G for the campaign after a friend shot videos and photos with the family on Mother's Day" (TULSA WORLD, 1/30).
