Otago Volts gear-up for Champions League Twenty20 in India

16 September 2013

Otago Volts gear-up for Champions League Twenty20 in India

Otago Polytechnic sponsored team, the Otago Volts, have arrived safely in Mohali, India, following eight successful days in Sri Lanka where they played four unbeaten games against a local team in preparation for the Champions League Twenty20.

The Volts have already had their first training session at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium where they will play their first three matches and have played their official warm up game yesterday against the local Punjab team, won by 114 runs.

“It’s a really encouraging start for the Volts. The team is feeling strong and we’re looking forward to our first game,” says Otago Volts Marketing and Events Manager, Andy McLean.

Educational institution, Otago Polytechnic, is official partners with the Volts, having made a substantial contribution towards the trip. Two Otago Polytechnic representatives are travelling with the team to seek out educational opportunities in the Indian market.

“We’ll be actively recruiting and talking to agents in India,” says Otago Polytechnic International Marketing Specialist, Jesan Thaker. “There are numerous opportunities for the Polytechnic to collaborate with India in higher education and research, and we can provide excellent vocational education and training for Indian students in New Zealand.

“Our sport programmes are particularly relevant to the Indian market because students will be able to specialise in cricket,” says Mr Thaker, making reference to the International Cricket Academy under development between Otago Polytechnic’s Otago Institute of Sport and Adventure and Otago Cricket.

“We also have many unique programmes on offer including the Diploma in Applied Sport and Exercise Leadership (Level 5), the Bachelor of Applied Science and the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science.”

As part of the partnership, the Otago Polytechnic logo will feature on the players’ training and playing shirts, signage will be displayed at all Otago Volts games throughout the season and the Polytechnic logo will have television exposure during the T20 matches.

“The hype and interest in the tournament and the Volts has really begun to take-off here,” says Mr Thaker. “By giving the Polytechnic maximum exposure during the tournament, we hope some educational opportunities will be leveraged.”

A press conference will be held today at 9:45am, Indian time (4:15pm New Zealand time), to discuss the partnership between the Otago Volts and Otago Polytechnic, and to confirm the status of Ryan ten Doeschate’s release from Essex. Brendon McCullum and Ross Dykes will be available for comment. Please note, India is 6.5 hours behind New Zealand.

The Champions League Twenty20 officially kicks off on September 17. For more information, visit the Champions League Twenty20 website.

ENDS

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