Triathlon: Sovereign and Tri NZ finish partnership

Triathlon New Zealand and Sovereign have concluded their successful commercial partnership for the popular national triathlon series.

Over the past three years, Sovereign has been committed to Tri NZ as the naming rights partner for the Tri Series events. The partnership has continued to assist Tri NZ to lay a strong organisational foundation, increase the national profile of the sport and achieve substantial growth in participation numbers. The opportunity to partner with a new sponsor is exciting for Tri NZ as they start to look toward the 2018 season.

Tri NZ has delivered 19 events for athletes of all age groups and abilities across the country. The series attracts around 3,000 participants every year and is also the target event for elite athletes preparing for their World Triathlon Series season.

This season, the Tri Series included the inaugural year of the National Elite Series. It attracted elite athletes from all over the country and featured members of the New Zealand HP Squad and other elite athletes looking for an opportunity to race against the best.

The fusion of both elite and non-elite races has been a significant feature of the Tri Series. Triathlon is a unique sport where regardless of your age, you have an opportunity to compete on the world stage and represent your country. Sovereign have supported this pathway throughout its partnership with Tri NZ and the benefits for individuals have been long lasting.

Stephen Houghton, the series Community Ambassador was overweight and unable to participate in family activities. He weighed in at 151kg, had a high-pressure job, heart and cholesterol problems, sleep apnoea and was pre-diabetic.

Seven years ago, he changed all of that. Stephen went from morbidly obese to shedding 67 kilos and has since represented NZ twice in triathlon at the Age Group Championships in Chicago and Cozumel. He's been a Tri Series participant for over six years and continues to qualify for his age group at selected events.

"I have got to meet some amazing individuals from all levels of the sport. The atmosphere at these events is always exciting and the spectator support is incredible. The event feels like the reward to all the training each person puts in for it," Stephen said.

As well as bringing families and entire communities together, the Tri Series prides itself on providing outstanding triathlon experiences for every New Zealander. Over 80% of this season's participants have been satisfied with their race day experience which also included fun activities and entertainment for spectators and supporters.

"Triathlon New Zealand, our community and the Tri Series participants would like to thank Sovereign for its incredible support provided to our sport over the past 3 years," Claire Beard, Commercial Director.

Sovereign Head of Brand James Perrin says, "The partnership has been a great fit for Sovereign. We have loved seeing thousands of New Zealanders either competitively participate or simply enjoy completing a triathlon. The sponsorship has been successful in raising awareness of healthy living alongside the Sovereign 'Life. Take Charge.' brand; however we are now focusing on a new business marketing strategy and wish Tri NZ the very best for the future."

Tri NZ is now actively seeking a new commercial partner and look forward to evolving the series to help improve more lives and create better triathlon experiences.