Almere, the Netherlands – 4 April 2013 – Rabobank Almere is the new main sponsor for the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam. From now on “Presented by Rabobank” will be included in all statements and the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam logo. This was jointly announced last Thursday by Nathal van Rijn, Director of the Rabobank Almere and Patrick Seinstra, Chairman of the Holland Triathlon.
“When we asked our council members which events should remain in Almere, the Triathlon was one of the first initiatives mentioned,” said Nathal van Rijn. “They pointed out that Europa’s oldest Triathlon – almost as old as Almere itself! – is essential to the city. We had been involved with the competition for some time, but we saw this as a sign to take it one step further. The Triathlon is an important event that proclaims the “Almere name”. This is of great value to us; because what is good for the city, is good for the residents and is therefore also good for the bank. We are very happy to take on the responsibility of main sponsor.”
Holland Triathlon, the Challenge race organiser, is extremely pleased with the “Presenting Sponsor”. “The Rabobank is at the heart of the Almere community. That they are committed to the oldest sporting event of the city shows how closely linked the Triathlon is with Almere and that there is confidence in the newly restructured race. With the Rabobank as main sponsor, our event gets the recognition it deserves.”, said Patrick Seinstra.
The Rabobank was involved last year as sponsor of the schools triathlon event. “The youth are the future after all”, said Nathal van Rijn, Director of the Rabobank Almere. “We are not going to lose this bond with the youngest athletes. Promoting the Junior Challenge, as the schools triathlon event will be called in the future, is of course part of our sponsorship agreement”. In addition to the financial contribution, the Rabobank is offering support in promoting this event in Almere. Challenge Almere-Amsterdam is the oldest triathlon covering such a long distance in the world, after Hawaii. Through the connection with the Challenge Family, the organiser Holland Triathlon expects many international participants.
The Challenge weekend will take place from 13 until 15 September 2013, with a full program of schools triathlon, business triathlon, the traditional “whole of Almere”, the half triathlon and the Final Premier Division and the Family Relay. At the heart of the event is the start and finish location on the Esplanade in Almere Stad, the cycle course will also extend to Lelystad and the town centre of Zeewolde.