Swifts, Swans and QBE - a formidable family

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

By Netball NSW, Netball Australia

In a first for Australian sport, two current sporting partners, the Sydney Swans and their principal partner of 21 years QBE - are joining forces to become the principal partner of the NSW Swifts in season 2008 of the ANZ Championship.

Netball NSW General Manager Carolyn Campbell announced the new relationship, as a milestone in Australian sport and reflective of the evolution taking place in netball.

“AFL clubs and netball have undertaken joint activities for several years, but this is the first time that a club and their major partner have chosen to invest in a ‘sister’ sport,” Ms Campbell said.

“The Swans and QBE have created a legacy, become true sporting partners with shared vision, goals and passions…and therefore, we are thrilled to join their family.

“QBE has been principal partner of the Sydney Swans for more than two decades and through that time they have worked together to form a relationship which is the envy of most sporting organisations in the country. Now, the NSW Swifts have the chance to work with like-minded partners, to build our brand, our game and the sport – it is a real privilege.”

Catherine Cox, captain of the NSW Swifts and her team mates unveiled their new uniform (including principal partners) to media, Sydney Swans players, management, and the team from QBE – hailing the start of a new era of netball, new look and new start.

The Swans had previously enjoyed training opportunities, assisted with medical support and shared gym sessions with the Sydney Swifts - but now that relationship has evolved even further, cementing this as a true partnership both on, and off the court.

NSW Swifts Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald, who has known and worked with Paul Roos and the Swans for many years, feels that the partnership is hugely exciting for the game and fans.

“The Sydney Swans are like sporting brothers to us…we have so much in common like work ethic, focus, determination, drive and success,” said Fitzgerald.

“Funnily enough we even share our team colours – the red and white of the Swans and the cyan blue of QBE - it all makes perfect sense.”

Tickets for the NSW Swifts 2008 home games in the ANZ Championship are now on sale via Ticketek.