Putnam Named Official Mutual Fund of U.S. Ski Team
Putnam Investments today announced it will become the exclusive mutual fund sponsor of the U.S. Ski Team and sponsor of U.S. Snowboarding. Putnam's sponsorship will run for four years and through the next Olympics in Sochi, Russia, in 2014.
"We are proud to become a sponsor of the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding. The drive for excellence among these highly competitive athletes reflects Putnam's performance-driven philosophy," said Putnam President and CEO Robert L. Reynolds. "The belief these athletes have in winning with integrity and personal accountability closely aligns with Putnam's approach to investment management. We believe these athletes will be outstanding ambassadors for Putnam, both in the U.S. and abroad, and look to them bringing home the gold from around the world."
U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association President and CEO Bill Marolt added, "One of the most important elements of a strong partnership is shared vision. The best in the world vision for our U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding athletes, as well as our belief in core values, is closely aligned with our new partner, Putnam Investments, which stands for excellence in the investment industry."
At the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding athletes picked up a record 21 medals, including six gold, more than doubling its previous record of 10 medals in 2002 and 2006.
Putnam's sponsorship is part of a larger brand strategy of supporting 'performance in motion' activities over the last two years, including sponsoring Olympic gold medal-winning skier Ted Ligety individually, and equestrian events in the Greater Boston area.
Under the terms of the partnership, Putnam Investments becomes an official sponsor of both the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding. The company's logo will appear on the uniforms of the U.S. alpine, freestyle and nordic teams. Putnam also will participate in key U.S. events, including associate sponsorship of one of the Team's biggest marquee events, the Audi Birds of Prey race week World Cup at Beaver Creek, CO December 3-5, 2010.
"I know from my relationship with Putnam Investments that its portfolio managers are goal-oriented and driven by excellence, just as my teammates and I are every time we get into the starting gate," said Ligety.
