MINNEAPOLIS – MoneyGram International (NYSE:MGI), a leading global money transfer company,confirmed an agreement with the International Cricket Council for its sponsorship as the official money transfer partner at the ICC World Twenty20 West Indies 2010 cricket event to run April 30 to May 16.
Cricket is among the largest sports attractions in countries that rely on remittance services including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, as well as countries in Southern Africa and the Caribbean.
MoneyGram’s decision to sponsor the most favorite and crucial game among remittance receiving countries was made to connect with its customers, and increase its brand awareness among the millions of cricket fans across the globe. The campaign includes chances for cricket fans to win a dream package to attend the West Indies event and games on May 8. Winners will be selected from 10 countries, including one winner from the U.S.
“When cricket teams and fans from around the world arrive in the West Indies our brand will prominently greet them and further deepen awareness among people who use money transfer services to meet their financial needs,” said Juan Agualimpia, chief marketing officer for MoneyGram International. “This sponsorship will help us reach millions of expatriates as well as their family and friends that are viewing the games.”
The event is expected to host cricket fans from around the world and its broadcast has the potential to reach another billion people at home, especially in Europe, South Asia, Southern Africa, the United States and Canada.
“Cricket is a huge part of the lives of millions of our customers. Our goal is to match the value of our brand with the passion of cricket fans to support our growth,” Agualimpia said. “For example, South Asia is among our most important markets and one in which we are growing rapidly. Over the last year, in India alone, we built out our network to 22,000 agent locations countrywide.” While in 2008 India was the receiver of $52 billion sent to the country (data by Word Bank), last year over 100 million Indians watched the Twenty20 championships.
The ICC works on behalf of its members to generate revenue to help grow the game around the world.
ICC General Manager – Commercial Campbell Jamieson said: “We’re pleased to add MoneyGram to a list of excellent local sponsors for the ICC World Twenty20 West Indies 2010. As the world’s second most popular team sport, cricket enthusiasts are a growing and diverse group that touches every corner of the world and every segment of the population. We’re eager for MoneyGram to experience the power of the game for its brand.”
Don’t forget to fan MoneyGram on Facebook for more exciting offers and updates from the company and to enter to win your cricket dream package to be in the West Indies on May 8. Also for a limited time, you can enter to win a pair of tickets to the exciting Super 8 matches. Go to www.moneygram-T20m.com for more details on how to enter.
The ICC World Twenty20 West Indies 2010 matches will be played in Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Guyana beginning April 30, with the championship matches in Bridgetown, Barbados on May 16.
