Games sponsorship balloons to $75m
PUBLISHED ONMay 14, 2015 6:30 PMByClara Chong
The upcoming SEA Games got a lift from UnionPay International (UPI) yesterday when the payments system company became the latest sponsor of the largest multi-sport event in the region.
The $1 million cash injection was welcomed by Lim Teck Yin, chairman of the Singapore South-east Asian Games Organising Committee (Singsoc) executive committee, who said: "The cash sponsorship will go a long way to offer people more opportunities to enjoy the Games.
"UnionPay is also an international brand and this is a great signal to regional sport."
UPI's contribution takes the total sponsorship for the June 5-16 Games to $75 million.
As part of the sponsorship deal, UnionPay cardholders will be entitled to 20 per cent savings on Games tickets and 10 per cent on Games merchandise with a minimum expenditure of $60.
Members of the public also stand to benefit as UnionPay intends to provide free hot-air balloon rides at the Games Carnival.
The balloon ride will operate from June 1-16, subject to final approval from the authorities.
Located outside the Sports Hub at the beach volleyball court, the ride is a first in Singapore.
Participants will be treated to a unique aerial view of the surrounding area when they embark on the vertical ride.
The ride will be conducted in groups of four, including a pilot.
The exact height and duration of each ride is also subject to final approval by the authorities.
UnionPay is also dressing up the official Games buses which will serve as transport for the VIPs, athletes and officials during the event.
Yang Wenhui, general manager of UnionPay International South-east Asia, said: "The main purpose for us to be here is to play a big part in the Games and also for us to be known to the public.
"This will be one of our major activities and we will not exclude other opportunities for partnership with other organisations in the future."
chongcjy@sph.com.sg
This article was first published on May 15, 2015.
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