Sponsor on board for Perth Masters

Dec 23 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

ONE of British sport’s most enduring sponsorship deals has been extended.

That was the Christmas cheer for curlers yesterday as the Mercure Perth Masters 2012 edged ever closer.

The popular annual international event features some of the top talent from North America and the continent, and takes place at Perth’s Dewars Centre from January 5-8.

In October, the former City Mills Hotel was re-branded as a Mercure, one of vast 42000-link chain of hotels across 90 countries.

But while it’s a new era for the popular city centre hotel, general manager Chris Charalambous was delighted to confirm that long-time ties with the Masters event will not be severed.

In fact, he confirmed they are being strengthened under the new brand.

Bill Duncan, of the Dewars Centre, welcomed the announcement that the Mercure had committed five-figure backing to the event for the next two years.

He said: “It is fantastic news, especially in the current economic climate when sponsors are like hen’s teeth.

“It’s great that the Mercure sponsorship is to continue and they are backing us again for 2012 and 2013. Now in its 18th year, this is one of the country’s longest running sports sponsorships. We are looking forward to working closely with the new owners and once again with Chris.

“It is a huge boost to curling. It is also great for the city because it brings a welcome January financial boost. We will continue to work closely with the Mercure at various other curling events in Perth.

“Chris and his team were closely involved in the World Juniors and the World Rotary Championships.”

The links between the Perth Masters, now in its 36th year, and the City Mills stretch back to 1994.

Mr Charalambous recalled: “I am proud and honoured to be associated with the Masters and in being the main sponsor of this prestigious event.

“My first experience of curling was meeting Olympic gold medal winner Rhona Martin at a team-building programme at the Dewars Centre not long after she had won it. I’ve enjoyed it ever since.”

The latest Mercure Perth Masters has attracted 32 teams, with half lured from abroad chasing a record prize pot of £17,000.

Mr Duncan also highlighted welcome support received from Perth and Kinross Council and Perth Honda, with Earnside Coaches ferrying teams from the airport to Perth.

He added: “Provost John Hulbert is bowing out before the next local government elections so this will be his last event. He has been very supportive of the Perth Masters.”

The Mercure hosts the traditional Masters dinner on January 6 and the continentals will be treated to a mini Burns Supper, with local farmer Alastair Ritchie addressing the haggis and Mr Duncan translating!

CURLING RESULTS .. P53