PokerStars to recognise the 'Spirit of the TT' in 2010
An unsung hero of the TT will be recognised with the Spirit of the TT Award in 2010, it has been confirmed.
The scheme is part of the ongoing TT sponsorship by Isle of Man-based gaming company PokerStars.
The Spirit of TT has been created to recognise a selfless contribution to the event’s success by a local unsung hero. The criteria for the award are based on key qualities such as innovation, leadership, teamwork, respect and integrity. The award is open to anyone who contributes to the event, such as riders, marshals and volunteers.
The annual award will be judged by a panel of representatives that includes a representative from PokerStars, Isle of Man Tourism Political Member Geoff Corkish, ACU Chairman Jim Parker, Isle of Man Newspapers’ journalist John Turner and Manx Radio Managing Director Anthony Pugh.
PokerStars, the Official Gaming Partner of the TT, will also sponsor the Superbike race on June 5. Since beginning it’s involvement in the TT in 2007, PokerStars has sponsored the Supersport, Superstock and Senior races, including last year’s blue riband Senior TT.
For this year PokerStars agreed to swap sponsorship to the Superbike race to allow Dainese to bring in MotoGP stars Jorge Lorenzo and Angel Nieto for the Dainese-backed Senior. The date clash between the Superbike race and MotoGP weekend in Mugello, Italy, would have prevented them coming to the Isle of Man for the Superbike race.
It isn’t only as a sponsor and official partner that PokerStars is involved in the TT, it also supports Manxman Conor Cummins, who finished second in last year’s PokerStars Senior TT. The Ramsey rider is currently the fastest recorded road racer in the world following his exploits at the 2009 Ulster Grand Prix and is one of the leading contenders for honours at the 2010 TT Races.
Becs Cubbon, who is responsible for PokerStars’ on-Island sponsorship, said:
“As a company we are very committed to the Isle of Man and are grateful for all the support that we have received since our arrival in 2005. We are delighted to be involved with the Island’s Blue Riband event as we celebrate our fifth anniversary on the Island and believe that our award and sponsorship is a great way of putting something back into the community.”
Mr Corkish added:
“PokerStars has made a truly significant contribution to the TT races since its arrival on the Isle of Man and their welcome support has enabled us to improve many aspects of the running of the event. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with the company.”