Sports

Total Fandemonium: VELO Shares The Love For McLaren Formula 1 Team Fans On- And Off- The Track

Published

2 years ago

September 6, 2022

LONDON /PRNewswire/ — At this year’s FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN DUTCH GRAND PRIX 2022, VELO in partnership with The McLaren F1 Team, are shining a spotlight on motorsport fans with the launch of a bespoke love-inspiring branding design on The McLaren F1 Team’s car. Diving deeper into the unexpected world of fans, this exciting reveal sparks the beginning of a new and inspiring content series by VELO and The McLaren F1 Team, where they uncover the unique stories of The McLaren F1 Team fans and their unwavering love of motorsport.

Total Fandemonium: VELO Shares The Love For McLaren Formula 1 Team Fans On – And Off – The Track

The fan-focused design will feature the word ‘LOVE’ on both sidepods made up of names and messages from fans of The McLaren F1 Team around the world, placing them at the heart of elite motorsport – on the car as it races around the track. Driven by racing legends Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris, the bespoke ‘LOVE’ lettering will debut in a country known for its culture of love – The Netherlands – at the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN DUTCH GRAND PRIX 2022, where the host country’s orange ‘fan-army’ meet McLaren’s papaya ‘fan-army’ for a brightly-coloured race weekend.

Selected through a global competition which pulled in 2,700 entries, the ‘LOVE’ lettering includes the names and messages of 95 fans from multiple countries, ethnicities, and backgrounds, highlighting the growing diversity of motorsport fans. Messages from the fans include “Viva La Papaya” from Andrew. The launch is part of VELO’s new campaign, LOVE THE UNEXPECTED, which is all about celebrating motorsport fans and their unexpected stories. Tapping into the constantly changing face of motorsport fandom, VELO and The McLaren F1 Team are championing the love and passion fans have for the sport on a global scale. The series will uncover the untold tales of fans of The McLaren F1 Team and their exciting stories, delighting them with new ways to experience the sport.

John Beasley, Group Head of Brand Building, BAT, comments: “We wanted to do something different and unexpected that celebrated our love for the fans whose passion and energy fuels the sport. With the support of our partnership with The McLaren F1 Team, we’ve offered fans a unique opportunity to see their name race around the track in front of the global motorsport fanbase. This is just one example of VELO’s passion to deliver unexpected experiences for fans, and we want to continue to celebrate those that make the sport what it is today. By uncovering their passion and drive for motorsports and the ways in which they celebrate it, our fan-focused videos showcase the exceptional world of motorsport fans and their captivating stories of love for the sport.”

Lou McEwen, Executive Director, Brand & Creative, The McLaren F1 Team, comments: “Fans are at the heart of every sport, but motorsport fandom is like no other. Through the partnership with VELO, we have placed fans firmly on the focal point of motorsport, the car, and have championed their captivating stories with our fan-focused videos. The bespoke ‘LOVE’ lettering is the first time that fans and their messages have been featured on the car and we are proud to celebrate some of McLaren’s greatest supporters.”

Launching from 22^nd September, VELO and The McLaren F1 Team’s Love the Unexpected content series will begin to release the fan stories – from the weird to the wonderful – highlighting the love these fans have for the sport that is driving the new face of elite motorsport culture. The fans include:

MATTHEW POAT – Minutes away from the Silverstone Circuit, Matthew Poat aka Racing Chocs, creates bespoke motorsport-themed chocolates. Matthew has combined his love of motorsport and The McLaren F1 Team with his passion for chocolate, creating a bespoke career as a chocolate engineer. VELO and Matthew will dive into the delicious world of chocolate, uncovering Matthew’s creative flair and talent for creating racing-themed sweet treats inspired by The McLaren F1 Team
ALEX CREES – Having lived in Indonesia for 10 years everything revolves around Alex’s crazy adventurous lifestyle. From watching at the Spanish GP on board a boat under the stars at 3am in Alor, East Indonesia – to watching the Monaco GP from Komodo whilst hiking a mountain, nothing stops Alex from watching his passion and supporting The McLaren F1 Team. VELO and Alex will reveal the extreme lengths he’ll go to, to get his motorsport fix and some of the weirdest places he’s cheered on The McLaren F1 Team – from shark-infested waters to the edge of a volcano

To discover more about the fan stories head over to the Instagram pages of VELO and The McLaren F1 Team.

Notes to Editors:

About BAT
BAT is a leading, multi-category consumer goods business with a purpose to build A Better Tomorrow™ by reducing the health impact of its business through offering a greater choice of enjoyable and less risky products for adult consumers.

The company continues to be clear that combustible cigarettes pose serious health risks, and the only way to avoid these risks is not to start or to quit. BAT encourages those who would otherwise continue to smoke to switch completely to scientifically-substantiated, reduced-risk alternatives*†. In order to deliver this, BAT is transforming into a truly consumer-centric multi-category consumer products business.

BAT’s ambition is to have 50 million consumers of its non-combustible products by 2030 and to generate £5billion of New Categories revenue by 2025. BAT has set stretching ESG targets including achieving carbon neutrality for Scopes 1 & 2 by 2030 and eliminating unnecessary single-use plastic and making all plastic packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.

BAT employs over 52,000 people and operates in over 175 countries. The BAT Group generated revenue of £12.87 billion in the first half of 2022 and profit from operations of £3.68 billion.

The company’s Strategic Portfolio is made up of its global cigarette brands and a growing range of reduced-risk*† New Category tobacco and nicotine products and traditional non-combustible tobacco products. These include vapour, tobacco heating products, modern oral products including tobacco-free nicotine pouches, as well as traditional oral products such as snus and moist snuff. In the first half of 2022, we had 20.4 million consumers of our non-combustible products, a rise of 2.1 million on full year 2021.

*Based on the weight of evidence and assuming a complete switch from cigarette smoking. These products are not risk free and are addictive.

† Our products as sold in the US, including Vuse, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, and Camel Snus, are subject to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation and no reduced-risk claims will be made as to these products without FDA clearance.

About McLaren Racing
McLaren Racing was founded by New Zealand racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966, since then McLaren has won 20 Formula 1 world championships, more than 180 Formula 1 grands prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.

The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo, the NTT INDYCAR Series with Arrow McLaren SP drivers Pato O’Ward and Felix Rosenqvist, and the Extreme E Championship with Emma Gilmour and Tanner Foust. McLaren will compete in Season Nine of the FIA Formula E World Championship in 2022/23.

McLaren was the first F1 team to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard in 2010 and has retained it since on a bi-annual basis, most recently in February 2021. The team was also the first in F1 to be given the FIA Sustainability Accreditation Award at a three-star level in 2013 as part of the FIA Environmental Certification framework, before becoming a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment in 2021.

SOURCE VELO

Blog

Pickleball Kingdom Expands into Atlanta, Georgia

Published

2 days ago

April 16, 2024

Daily News Staff

ATLANTA /PRNewswire/ — Pickleball Kingdom, the premier brand in indoor pickleball, is thrilled to announce its expansion into Atlanta, Georgia. Led by passionate sports enthusiasts Nithi and Usha Anand, this move aims to bring the joy of pickleball to the vibrant community of Atlanta, catering to individuals of all ages and skill levels.

“We’re thrilled to bring Pickleball Kingdom to Atlanta with our indoor franchise locations,” stated Ace Rodrigues, Founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom. “Atlanta has a vibrant community, and we know the Anand family are the perfect ambassador for the sport.”

Pickleball Kingdom, known for its commitment to providing top-notch indoor facilities for pickleball players, is excited to introduce its renowned brand to Atlanta. With a focus on holistic health and the belief that movement is medicine, Nithi and Usha Anand are dedicated to creating a pickleball community where leading a healthy lifestyle is not only encouraged but also enjoyable for everyone.

“We are delighted to bring Pickleball Kingdom to Atlanta and contribute to the development of a thriving pickleball community in this area,” said Nithi and Usha Anand, franchise leaders of Pickleball Kingdom in Atlanta. “Our vision is to provide a welcoming space where individuals can engage in this exciting sport, improve their fitness, and connect with others who share a passion for pickleball.”

Pickleball, a paddle sport blending elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. Recognizing the growing demand for accessible indoor facilities, Pickleball Kingdom is committed to offering state-of-the-art courts equipped with technology to enhance the playing experience for enthusiasts in Atlanta.

Calling Franchisees

The expansion into Atlanta will offer individuals the opportunity to experience the excitement of pickleball in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Pickleball Kingdom invites aspiring entrepreneurs who share their passion for promoting active lifestyles to join them in this exciting venture as franchise partners.

“Similar to the rest of the country, the high demand for indoor pickleball in Atlanta metro is evident,” emphasized Rob Streett, COO of Pickleball Kingdom. “We are on the lookout for more ambitious partners who recognize the vast opportunities in the indoor pickleball industry. If you’re interested in seizing this opportunity, let’s connect.”

www.pickleballkingdom.com/franchise

About Pickleball Kingdom:

Pickleball Kingdom is the largest indoor pickleball entity in the world. They are dedicated to providing exceptional facilities and fostering vibrant pickleball communities across the country. With a focus on promoting active lifestyles and building strong connections within communities, Pickleball Kingdom is committed to making pickleball accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.

SOURCE Pickleball Kingdom Franchising

pickleball and sports exclusive

USTA MID-ATLANTIC FOUNDATION APPLAUDS APPROVAL OF ZONING APPLICATION FOR VILLAGE AT CLEAR SPRINGS

Decision and $2.5 million grant award are critical next steps for USTA Mid-Atlantic Tennis Campus

Published

3 days ago

April 15, 2024

Daily News Staff

LEESBURG, Va. /PRNewswire/ — The USTA Mid-Atlantic Tennis Campus – a planned best-in-class hub for health, wellness and community-building through sport – is now a critical step closer with the decision by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to approve the zoning application for the Village at Clear Springs. A key amenity within the Village at Clear Springs, the USTA Mid-Atlantic Tennis Campus will offer a transformative upgrade of indoor and outdoor courts and resources that will make it a year-round regional hub for economic growth and engaging environments that positively enhance lives.

In addition to the approval, the USTA has pledged $2.5 million in grant funding to the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation to invest in this critical, community-based infrastructure and support the mission to grow tennis.

“USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation celebrates the approval of the zoning application for the Village at Clear Springs,” said Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, Chief Executive Officer, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation. “This important decision along with an unprecedented funding commitment are crucial steps forward that allow us to succeed in our ambitious vision to increase access to tennis for all people providing physical, social and emotional health benefits for today’s youth and adults of all ages.”

The USTA Mid-Atlantic Tennis Campus is planned to be open to the public and will feature 21 outdoor tennis courts, including a stadium center court, 10 indoor tennis courts, 8 outdoor pickleball courts and 12 indoor pickleball courts which will also be used for youth tennis, cardio tennis and beginner tennis instruction for adults. The tennis campus will feature space for fitness, wellness programs, community gatherings and large-scale competitions and events. It will serve as an accessible hub for health, education and fun, while being an important economic engine estimated to generate $8.5 million annually in economic impact.

“One of the most important aspects of the tennis campus is the ability to extend into the community and activate the higher benefits of sport among those who may be under-resourced,” said Beth Twomey, Chief Operating Officer, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation. “Especially fundamental to the vision for the campus are community outreach and education programs that will help under-resourced youth and support schools through tennis, education and physical activity. We have built strong relationships in the county and are already taking action, now we can build on this momentum to create long-term and sustainable approaches through tennis and sport that create community, character, and well-being for all.”

The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation has invested $10 million in the project and is actively seeking lead corporate sponsors and donors to help achieve the vision and be an instrumental part of the tennis campus. The tennis campus project is anticipated to cost $42 million and the groundbreaking is planned for 2025.

For more information about the tennis campus, including ways to get involved visit https://ustamidatlantictenniscampus.com/.

View the tennis campus renderings here.

About USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation:
USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Our mission is to promote and develop the growth of tennis. Our vision is tennis in EVERY community. For 100 years USTA Mid-Atlantic has been the leader for tennis in the region. We operate leagues, tournaments, and other outreach programs and events throughout the region for more than 30,000 adult and youth members in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and eastern and southern West Virginia. We support the community providers, facilities, and coaches that directly deliver the sport.

SOURCE USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation

Sports

RACKETPAL: LEADING UK SPORTS TECH BUSINESS ACHIEVES SIGNIFICANT USER GROWTH AND LAUNCHES STRATEGIC REVIEW

Published

4 days ago

April 14, 2024

Daily News Staff

LONDON /PRNewswire/ — RacketPal, a leading UK sports tech business, today announces that the Company has achieved a number of significant growth milestones and has launched a strategic review to ensure that the business continues to develop and grow, both here in the UK and internationally (the “Strategic Review”).

Founded in 2019, London-headquartered RacketPal is the largest racket sports community in the UK that helps players be more physically active by encouraging them to be part of active communities, find local partners and games, book coaching lessons and join nearby clubs and venues. The business has previously raised millions of pounds, and the tech behind the RacketPal platform is of the highest calibre and is fully scalable – a new sport can be added very quickly with only a few clicks.

RacketPal has achieved significant user growth (126% year-on-year), with over 125,000 registered users; 6,000 club communities have been created to date. The business recently launched a B2B offering which helps venues, clubs and leisure centres increase sport participation and bookings.

In the last 12 months, RacketPal has rolled out a number of product enhancements, such as wearables and contacts integration, double leagues, communities section, court booking shortcuts, added 5 new racket sports and implemented various safeguarding and safekeeping initiatives on the platform.

Robert Rizea, CEO and Co-founder of RacketPal, said “Our mission is to be the largest and most engaged sports community in the world; we have focused first on racket sports as there are 7 million racket sports players in the UK and 800 million players worldwide, but our platform can easily be adapted to cover any sport. We have achieved incredible growth and we are excited about what the future holds for us.”.

The Strategic Review includes RacketPal reviewing all its options, such as a growth investment and a full sale of the business. Exploratory conversations have already commenced with a number of potential domestic and international firms. The Strategic Review is being handled exclusively by Lazarus Consulting, the boutique M&A advisory firm.

ABOUT RACKETPAL

Launched in 2019 and available on the web, iOS and Android, RacketPal is a racket sports community where users can find local racket sports players, courts, clubs and instructors in seconds. RacketPal currently covers Tennis, Badminton, Table Tennis, Squash, Padel Tennis, Pickleball, Racquetball and Platform Tennis. Prior to launching RacketPal, Robert Rizea, RacketPal‘s Co-founder and CEO, was a No 1 ranked tennis player in Romania for 6 years. Please see www.racketpal.co.uk for more information.

ABOUT LAZARUS CONSULTING

Lazarus Consulting is an award-winning boutique advisory firm offering Business Development, Capital Raising, Corporate Development, and M&A services to clients primarily in the tech, media, and retail sectors. The firm is the exclusive corporate finance advisor to RacketPal. Please see www.lazarusconsulting.net for more information.

SOURCE RacketPal