Triathlon New Zealand have announced a new partnership with Hansells Food Group brand ‘Vitasport’, in a deal that will see Vitasport isotonic sports drink hydrate and power competitors at Tri NZ events all around the country and provide two budding triathletes with sponsorship as part of ‘Team Vitasport’.
Triathlon New Zealand is thrilled with the partnership, with Vitasport the latest commercial partner to recognise a sport that reaches so many people from so many different backgrounds throughout New Zealand.
"The addition of Vitasport to our team of sponsors reflects the continued growth of the sport of triathlon and the ongoing interest in the sport at participation and elite perspective,” said Tri NZ Commercial Director Carl Jackson.
"All of our participants at Tri NZ events this summer will benefit from this partnership but so too will two of our better performed competitors with Vitasport offering sponsorship to one male and one female triathlete as part of ‘Team Vitasport’.”
Vitasport is a powdered isotonic sports drink, which means it is scientifically balanced to match the body’s needs during exercise. The drink puts back the essential electrolytes that athletes burn when competing or training, and is a must-have for athletes wishing to achieve their best.
The optimal time to consume Vitasport is 15 minutes before or and after training or races, or during prolonged physical activity. For this reason, expect to see Vitasport in race bags and at aid stations and finish lines of Tri NZ events this season.
Vitasport was first popular with athletes in the 80s, and indeed some tri veterans may remember the product in its initial tub format. Since re-launching in 2008 with an improved scientific formulation, refreshed branding, and innovative single-serve packaging, Vitasport has now found loyalty from a whole new generation of athletes.
"We are excited to be powering Tri NZ athletes this season, and see a perfect fit between our rapidly growing product and the fastest growing sport in New Zealand,” says Rachael Bryers, Senior Brand Manager for Vitasport.
Vitasport has made it their mission to give back to the athlete community through sponsorship and support, and have avoided conventional advertising. The brand sponsors several other events and sports organisations, as well as a team of top local athletes who are given race entries, race and training gear, transport to events, and of course as much Vitasport as they can drink.
"We are now looking to add a specialist male and female triathlete to our ‘Team Vitasport’, and will be launching a big search online in December. These lucky athletes will win a fantastic package of branded gear, race entries, event support, and (at least) a year’s supply of Vitasport plus other Hansells foods.
There are no age restrictions for entry; the criteria is that athletes must be presently unsponsored, and available for all Tri NZ events” says Vitasport Sponsorship Manager Robert Bruce (SublimeNZ). So if you have always dreamed of getting proper sponsorship to reflect your hard work and great results, and are prepared to work hard to represent the brand positively, then look out for competition details early next month.
In the meantime, if your aspirations are not quite so lofty and participation in a triathlon is on your mind this summer, you can look forward to some Vitasport in your race pack and at the finish line in the Contact Tri Series and Contact TriWoman events.
