Summary
Santos is pleased to announce that it has agreed to extend to 2016 its successful partnership with the multi-award winning Santos Tour Down Under, Australia's biggest free sporting event.
Santos is pleased to announce that it has agreed to extend to 2016 its successful partnership with the multi-award winning Santos Tour Down Under, Australia’s biggest free sporting event.
The Santos Tour Down Under has achieved tremendous success throughout its 14-year history and has grown significantly in the past few years. The 2011 event contributed $43.4 million to the South Australian economy and attracted a record crowd of over 782,000 people.
Santos CEO David Knox welcomed the three-year extension of the partnership with Australia’s premier cycling race, which kicks off the UCI WorldTour calendar each year.
“I’m extremely pleased that we will continue our association with the Santos Tour Down Under, an event that brings a tremendous amount energy, vibrancy and pride to South Australia,” he said.
“Its global popularity and the elite cyclists that it attracts are hallmarks of its success and will ensure it remains a wonderful showcase for Australia on the world stage.”
Santos’ employees have embraced the company’s connection with this world-class event – and not just those with a keen interest in cycling.
In the three years that Santos has been the naming rights sponsor, more than 1,200 employees have volunteered time at Santos booths at the Tour Village and stage finishes and ridden in the Bupa Challenge Tours. Of those, many have raised money for Cancer Council SA’s Ride for a Reason initiative, with last year’s contribution alone totalling $55,000.
South Australian Premier, the Hon Jay Weatherill MP, said “this is fantastic news for the State and it shows the confidence Santos has in the event.”
“The Santos Tour Down Under is the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere and the news that our fruitful partnership will continue ensures the event is on track to grow even further.
“Santos has been a huge supporter of the event since it became the naming rights sponsor in 2010, and Santos staff members have played a key role in its ongoing success.”
Santos’ sponsorship of the Santos Tour Down Under is part of the company’s widespread support of events, organisations and initiatives that benefit the community in areas including health, education, the environment, art and culture, youth and indigenous affairs.
