Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Rush of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) has joined in a major new marketing partnership with Alberta Pork, the organization representing pork producers in the province.

"The Edmonton Rush organization is very pleased to participate in this new partnership," says Kimberly Uniat, director of sales and marketing for the Edmonton Rush. "Corporate support from a province-wide industry is great for Rush fans, the community and the team."

"In developing the Pork Sports program, we see a way to reach out to people who value the healthy, active lifestyle that goes hand-in-hand with sports activity," says Kruse.

Called Pork Sports, this broad-based marketing program from Alberta Pork is designed to build relationships with sports audiences. The Rush agreement involves prominent signage at games, major contests on the Alberta Pork Web site www.albertapork.ca and extended opportunities for pork products in the concession areas at sporting events. Pork Sports also involves other initiatives such as new retail efforts for reaching into and supporting the community at a local level.

"It is an excellent example of how lacrosse brings value to communities throughout the province through the sheer entertainment it delivers," says Uniat.

This relationship with Alberta's professional lacrosse teams is an important move for Alberta Pork, says Roy Kruse, Manager of Consumer Services at Alberta Pork. He says the association has been looking for ways to establish a formal connection with sports in the province for some time. In 2005 it signed marketing agreements under its Pork Sports program with the Edmonton Eskimos and Calgary Stampeders football clubs and the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames hockey teams.

"In developing the Pork Sports program, we see a way to reach out to people who value the healthy, active lifestyle that goes hand-in-hand with sports activity," says Kruse. "Pork is a high quality, lean protein source that meets the nutritional needs of athletes and their fans. Sports draws people together in such a positive way, and there is a very natural connection to the enjoyment of food.

"More information on the many activities involved with the Pork Sports program is available on the Alberta Pork consumer services Web site at www.albertapork.ca. While Pork Sports is already a part of sports events across the province, planned expansion into retail-driven programs and other initiatives will allow Alberta Pork the opportunity to reach a wide range of sporting fans.

 

Professional lacrosse invades Edmonton with the inaugural season of the Edmonton Rush of the National Lacrosse League. The Edmonton Rush next game is January 21st at Rexall Place versus the Calgary Roughnecks. Professional indoor lacrosse combines the physical play of hockey with the high scoring, fast pace and play-making style of basketball. Purchase tickets at (780) 732-RUSH or Ticketmaster.