Rugby’s Singapore Sevens Signs New Sponsor
SINGAPORE, 31 October 2003 – The much-anticipated IRB Sevens Circuit returns to the National Stadium on 3 and 4 April 2004 with a boost from Singapore’s most ardent corporate supporter of the sport, Standard Chartered Bank. The leading international bank has signed on as title sponsor of the event, which will now be called the Standard Chartered Sevens, Singapore.
Mike Rees, CEO of Wholesale Bank, Standard Chartered Bank said:
‘Standard Chartered is an international bank with deep roots in many of the countries in which it operates. We are very much a part of these communities and naturally support the community on various fronts. Rugby is a great fit for us as it is a sport that builds the qualities that we believe in – courage and a ‘can-do’ attitude.
‘We want the Standard Chartered Singapore Sevens to be more than just fourteen men on a rugby field. Whether it be the array of international food, live entertainment, the party atmosphere, children’s activities, the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, or top class rugby, we believe that the Sevens will provide something for everyone.’
Steven Yeo, Deputy CEO, Singapore Sports Council said:
‘We are thrilled that in only its second year, the tournament has the support and commitment of Standard Chartered. To have on board an organisation that is such a significant contributor to developing the local sports scene is a real tribute to the event. We look forward to working together with them towards our goal of producing the best sports entertainment entity in Singapore and providing a weekend of world-class rugby competition for everyone to enjoy.’
Dr Chan Peng Mun, Chairman, Singapore Rugby Union said:
‘Standard Chartered has always been a major supporter of the Union’s youth development initiatives. We are very pleased that the Bank is going another step further in anchoring the development of this sport through its commitment through the Union’s marquee event for 2004, the Standard Chartered Singapore Sevens.
Dr Chan added that Standard Chartered’s support of the SRU since 1997 has been a major factor in the development and growing popularity of the sport in the country.
The Bank’s support of rugby started with its youth development programmes including the National Youth Leagues, the Youth Rugby Development Officer (RDO) programme, the National Under 16 and Under 19 teams as well as international events such as the Asian Rugby Championships and International Series. The Bank’s sponsorship of the IRB Sevens underscores its ongoing dedication to the sport and its growth.
Fans will be delighted to know that several of the world’s top rugby playing nations, including Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Samoa, Argentina, Canada, South Africa, Fiji, Wales and France have committed to participate in the 2004 event. The Singapore team will of course be there and additional teams will be announced early next year. The IRB Sevens Series includes 40 nations competing in eight countries on five continents, including Los Angeles for the first time.
Details of the activities planned for the two-day rugby extravaganza will be released soon. Season tickets will go on sale in January. For all the latest news and updates on the Standard Chartered Singapore Sevens log on to www.singaporesevens.com
For further information please contact Octagon RTA:
Joanna Ford
Tel: +65 9112 2320;
email joannas.ford@octagon.com
Debbie Gray
Tel: +65 9667 0081;
email debbie.gray@octagon.com