Puma announced their support of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT), a non-profit organization based in Kenya that supports the preservation of biodiversity within the Maasai tribal lands of East Africa by promoting conservation, education and health services within the Maasai community.
As part of the partnership, PUMA will be one of the official sponsors of the Maasai Marathon, a group of thirty runners lead by three Maasai warriors, Parashi Ntanin, Samson Parashina and Martin Sunte, and actor/conservationist Edward Norton, who will run in the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1st for the MWCT.
“As a global sportlifestyle brand committed to making this world a healthier place, it`s an honor for PUMA to align and support the runners of the Maasai Marathon and the MWCT. Through our partnership, PUMA will help educate consumers and bring more awareness to the preservation of ecosystems and cultures in east Africa, as well as all over the world,” said Jay Piccola, President and General Manager for PUMA North America. “The conservation of the environment around the world is a priority for PUMA.”
PUMA has been a long time supporter of a wide variety of causes in Africa, as part of our commitment to make the world a healthier, more peaceful and more creative world. The partnership with MWCT aligns with PUMA`s efforts to focus on environmental and social issues, as part of PUMAVision and PUMASafe initiatives, a division within PUMA committed to projects supporting the environment. As a long-time sponsor to eleven soccer (football) teams in Africa, PUMA has a vested
interest in the well-being and conditions across the continent.
“We're totally thrilled to have PUMA's support behind our marathon team. Their commitments to African development make them a natural partner with MWCT's work. And since we're running for environmental conservation efforts what could be better than having the PUMA on our team jersey?” said Edward Norton.
As part of the sponsorship, PUMA will be working with Edward Norton and the Maasai warriors to activate several initiatives to help raise money, build awareness of the cause and educate consumers leading up to November 1st. PUMA will also create special edition PUMA/Maasai Marathon Tees to be sold at select PUMA stores and wholesale partners with proceeds going to benefit the cause.
For the race on November 1st, the Maasai warriors, Edward Norton and the team will be outfitted in PUMA technical running gear, both apparel and footwear. PUMA has designed custom performance tees for the team which will be the inspiration for the special edition tees sold at retail.
PUMA`s support of the Maasai Marathon will be the first piece of a long-time partnership with the MWCT as the brand builds efforts towards further support for and within Africa with the upcoming World Cup 2010.
