COOLANGATTA, QLD/AUS (Tuesday March 22, 2022) - Harvey Norman and World Surf League have extended their successful partnership until December 2023, with the relationship expanding to welcome Australian surfing champion Sally Fitzgibbons as Harvey Norman Ambassador for 2022.
The new partnership extension will see the Australian retailer increase its association with professional surfing at all levels taking the title rights for two pro junior events.
Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page is thrilled to see the development of this partnership.
"With all the restrictions of the past two years, Australian surfing has epitomised uninterrupted freedom - surfing in all its forms continues to thrive - from grassroots competition through to the elite level Championship Tour. Harvey Norman identified the importance of our behind-the-scenes role to ensure continuity for the athletes and the fans throughout the pandemic's disruption. The company's additional support of two World Surf League Pro Junior events, to complement the elite level competitions, reflects our emphasis on enabling accessibility and pathways in the sport. Who better to champion and celebrate the sport of surfing to all Australians than Sally Fitzgibbons - a true champion in every sense of the word!"
Widely acknowledged as one of Australia's most iconic and celebrated sports stars Sally Fitzgibbons is also recognised as one of the best surfers of her generation. With a dozen Championship Tour wins under her belt and one of the most progressive approaches on the women's tour, perennial title threat and Tokyo 2020 Olympian Fitzgibbons looks forward to working with one of Australia's biggest supporters of women in sport as she sets her sights on the 2022 WSL World Title.
"It's such an honour to ride the 2022 wave with Harvey Norman, one of Australia's most trusted brands. Their efforts have been amazing in supporting Women in sport and Aussie sporting pathways across the board. I'm so proud to be aligned with a brand that puts their heart and soul into evolving and trying to be the best they can be for Australia, just as I have endeavoured to do my whole career. Thank you, Katie, Gerry and the Harvey Norman team for believing in my journey and the sport of surfing. I'm so stoked for the exciting set of waves we will ride as a team this year. No doubt it will leave a thriving environment for our sport in its wake."
WSL APAC General Manager Andrew Stark commended Harvey Norman on their commitment to expand their partnership to encompass not only the elite level, but the grassroots WSL Pro Junior program.
"WSL and Harvey Norman have been in partnership for over two years now and to see the partnership continue to grow is a testament to its true success," said WSL APAC General Manager Andrew Stark. "Harvey Norman has a strong presence at our elite Championship Tour and Challenger Series events and WSL is so proud to see them get behind the grassroots Pro Junior events as part of the partnership extension. WSL would like to thank Harvey Norman and their CEO Katie Page for their continued support and look forward to watching this fantastic relationship continue to grow into the future."
Adding to the potency of the partnership, 2022 and beyond will see the continued delivery of Harvey Norman's broadcast integrations through the ‘Harvey Norman Heat Recap" and the "Harvey Norman Host Set" with the broadcast commentary set being furnished by Harvey Norman. Each of the four major event stops of the Aussie leg will include an onsite activation, a DJ sundowner set along with Harvey Norman giving back via a dedicated community engagement activity across the Australian tour.
The partnership will be mutually beneficial with Harvey Norman's investment into WSL Australia helping them to articulate their brand values through media, content and broadcast exposure, reinforcing Harvey Norman as the official ‘Lifestyle Destination' for WSL Australia.