Bissell Steps up to Support Women’s Series

9th November 2012

Bissell Steps up to Support Women’s Series

Triathlon New Zealand today confirmed the continuation of the summer women’s only triathlon and duathlon series, thanks to a new partnership with one of the world’s leading and longest established companies, BISSELL.

Previously the TriWoman Series, the new look BISSELL Women’s Series will continue in the summer of 2012/13, offering triathlon and duathlon opportunities in a non confrontational and safe environment, with the emphasis on fun, participation and achievement amongst friends, family and like minded women.

The series will also cater for participants no longer able to take part in events such as the Real Duathlon Series, which has ceased operation.

BISSELL was established in 1876 and appropriately given the TriWoman Series is about women setting and achieving their goals, can point to the first female Corporate CEO in the United States. Anna Bissell took control of the company following the passing of her husband and co-founder Melville in 1889. Under Anna Bissells guidance, Bissell grew quickly and evolved into one of the world’s leading cleaning companies, reaching every continent of the world with their extensive range of cleaning equipment and products.

With a strong involvement in cycling including sponsorship and association at the top professional level, Bissell CEO and President and direct descendant of Anna and Melville, Mark Bissell explains why they are stepping up to partner the Bissell Women’s Series in New Zealand.

“Sponsorship of a mass participation sporting property such as the BISSELL Women’s Series is a natural evolution of our investment in elite level cycling. We hope this event becomes a “must do” feature of the active kiwi women’s summer calendar!”

BISSELL is distributed in New Zealand by Parex and General Manager Andy Higgs says his team is already looking to engage in the series.

“Our employees are excited by the naming rights sponsorship and have indicated they would like to participate in the Bissell Women’s Series. This kind of engagement from staff will help galvanize our culture around the shared beliefs of the brand and foster pride in the workplace. With this sponsorship we are making a long term commitment to our brand promise of a fuller life.

“We are impressed by the Tri NZ organisation and the potential of the BISSELL Women’s Series to transform lives and support our brand building efforts in this market. We recognise that kiwi women are the backbone of the community and that making time for themselves and their health and fitness is important.”

BISSELL brand ambassadors Caroline Meyer and Georgina Earl (née Evers-Swindell) both hope to participate in events this summer as they throw their support behind the BISSELL Women’s Series as a way for women to get active and get into sport which they truly believe in.

“We believe in what TriNZ are striving to achieve in terms of the increased participation and therefore health of NZ women”, said the former rowing stars.

Triathlon New Zealand Commercial Director Carl Jackson is delighted that BISSELL has thrown their support behind the BISSELL Women’s Series.

“To attract a company of Bissell’s global reputation and standing however is a real coup and what’s more, they understand what this series is all about, they share our goals and objectives and will work hand in hand with Triathlon New Zealand to deliver a safe and empowering event for women of all backgrounds and abilities.”

The BISSELL Women’s Series will have six events this summer, with all offering a triathlon and duathlon option for women, with easily achieved distances over largely flat courses. Final permits are still being approved by council for the Narrow Neck and Point Chevalier events, with exact dates for those events to be confirmed in the next few weeks.

Bissell Women’s Series, 2012/13
Women’s only triathlon and duathlon events
www.tri.co.nz for all details

February Narrow Neck, North Shore, Auckland Date TBC
23 February Pegasus, Christchurch
2 March Blue Lake, Rotorua
17 March Palmerston North
23 March Hamilton
April Pt Chevalier, Auckland Date TBC

Previous venues for the TriWoman series included New Plymouth, Invercargill and Wellington and while no longer a part of the Bissell Women’s Series, each venue has a replacement event being run and hosted by local clubs and councils, with Tri NZ support.

Click here for the Bissell Women’s Series website
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