Following its success in promoting in Rio de Janeiro the last and decisive event of the 1st Kiteboard Pro World Tour (KPWT) in 2000, Blue Orange Sportsmarketing has been appointed by GPF, organizer of the World Tour, to handle all television sales and broadcaster coordination for the tour held in 2001.

The appointment is part of GPF’s long-term strategy to further develop Kiteboarding, an exciting growth sport with considerable international commercial potential. GPF has recognized the need to professionally package kiteboarding for international broadcasters and to develop consistent standards of coverage. GPF’s and Blue Oranges’ distribution strategy includes producing a regular Kiteboarding tv highlights programme throughout the World Tour season, as well as reinforced brand identity including a special pilot programme on the previous season, updated graphics, regular tour updates and players features.

Blue Orange’s appointment will run from 2001 to 2003 inclusive, covering both the men’s and women’s championships. G.P.F and Blue Orange are cooperating with sportsmarketing giant UFA Sports, Hamburg, which will be responsible for the tv distribution in Europe.
www.ufasports.de

‘GPF is pleased to work with Blue Orange as its television partner. They share our belief that kiteboarding has the potential to be one of the most exciting new sports on television,’ said Fréderic Gravoille, president of GPF.

More than 30 countries took tv coverage of the 2000 Kiteboarding Pro World Tour. What was particularly significant was coverage by major broadcasters in a number of key markets, such as France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Brazil, Japan, Canada and the USA. Blue Orange believes that this provides a strong base for future expansion.

‘Kiteboarding has a strong marketing appeal but must be experienced by a larger commercial audience for best results. G.P.F and Blue Orange hopes to increase the exposure and consequently the value for sponsors, based on a successful long-term relationship with GPF,’ said Stefan Krause, CEO of Blue Orange.

For further information please contact:

Frederic Gravoille
Kiteboardingpro@hotmail.com
www.Kiteboardingpro.com