Rowing NZ announces sponsorship deal

Rowing New Zealand (RNZ) today announced a five-year sponsorship deal leading to the 2010 world championships and beyond.

RNZ chief executive Craig Ross said the deal would boost New Zealand's chances and medal hopes ahead of the bid to host the 2010 World Championships at Lake Karapiro in Waikato.

It has singed an agreement with BankLink, an accounting data and services provider.

"Having BankLink on board with Rowing New Zealand for the next five years will give all our rowers, including our elite athletes who are competing against the world's best, the confidence and support to go even further," Ross said.

BankLink director Malcolm MacDonald said RNZ epitomised "everything that is great about sport and being a Kiwi -- the desire to win on the world stage, a commitment to excellence, innovation and relentless performance, as well as delivery above and beyond expectations".

- NZPA