IMG sounds clarion call about NIRSA sponsorship potential

IMG AND NIRSA FORM STRATEGIC ALLIANCE:
College Intramural Sports and Recreation Centers Expand Sponsorship Initiatives

NEW YORK — The National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), the pioneer in organized recreation programs (sports, fitness, health/wellness and outdoor lifestyle activities) for colleges and universities, through its NIRSA Services Corporation (NSC) and its in-house agency, College Connect, Inc., has appointed IMG, the leading sports, entertainment and media company, as its authorized agent and representative in connection with sponsorship and marketing programs associated with NIRSA and its Member Institutions.

“Partnering with IMG accesses a vast network of sponsorship opportunities for NIRSA’s collegiate recreational sports programs and facilities, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship,” Mick Deluca, NSC President, says.

“IMG is delighted to be working with NIRSA, College Connect, Inc., and its Members to develop corporate partnerships with relevant brands looking to reach the college marketplace through a fully integrated on-campus marketing program,” said Steve Kerepesi, IMG Sr. Vice President, Director of U.S. Business Development. “IMG's 45 years of experience and relationships represent a far-reaching customer base from which IMG will seek corporate involvement by offering a year-round promotional platform to include product integration, sampling and distribution to branding and retail tie-ins. In addition, we are partnering with NIRSA to help launch their National Campus Championship Series, which includes the sports of flag football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, soccer and golf.”

Kerepesi further explained, "The size and scope of this opportunity is significant. Participation in intramural and recreational sports is on the rise — over 75% of all students visit their recreation centers and participate in intramural and recreational sports activities. Considering that 16 million students attend college each year, and NIRSA Members comprise nearly 650 colleges and universities, every marketer will have a national platform to reach this elusive audience."

Also, IMG will work closely with NIRSA across all areas of its business, including licensing, interactive, event development and television representation. 

NIRSA is a non-profit membership organization serving a network of more than 3,500 highly trained Professional, Student and Associate Members in the recreational sports field throughout the United States, Canada and other countries. It is the leading organization in many areas: training and professional development, intramural sports, sport clubs, recreation facilities, fitness programming, outdoor recreation, wellness programs, informal recreation and aquatic programs. Of NIRSA's nearly 650 Institutional Members, 94 percent come from college and university recreational sports programs. NIRSA's member institutions represent nearly seven million college students, of whom an estimated five and a half million participate in recreational programs.

IMG is the world's premier sports and entertainment marketing firm, with an international staff of more than 2,200 people in 70 offices in 30 countries. IMG's television division, TWI, is the largest independent distributor and producer of televised sports, managing a library of more than 150,000 hours. TWI annually produces and distributes 6,500 hours of original programming to more than 200 countries covering 200+ sports, as well as being a global leader in digital sports and entertainment. IMG is commercially involved in major sports and cultural events around the world, works with leagues and franchises worldwide, provides consulting services related to marketing and sponsorship programs to many of the world's largest corporations, is the world's largest non-character licensing firm and is the world's number one international model management firm. In addition, IMG owns and operates sports and fitness training and development academies.