eKourier Jan 2021

FEATURE

KSS TAKE GOLD TIER SPONSORSHIP OF NSW PRIDE In the reorganising that we have all witnessed from the Covid shake out, I was contacted by the CEO of Hockey NSW (David Thompson) about their storage requirements and the possibility of partnering with Hockey NSW in the new National Hockey Tournament.

T he National Hockey One competi- tion started in 2019 with a team from each state bringing the best of their talent in to a new elite competi- tion. Unfortunately, in 2020 Hockey One could not hold the tournament after the inaugural year. Like many organisations, Covid challenged the working environment for Hockey NSW and this triggered a strategic rethink of their commer- cial accommodation. KSS became part of an answer for Hockey NSW to be more efficient and more profitable. Hockey NSW will adopt a more distrib- uted arrangement in the development programs of the sport. In return for our position as the Gold Tier Major Partner of the NSW Pride and all the NSW Junior Teams, we provide support with our storage space and cash. Kennards Self Storage logo features on the playing tops and there are signs at the stadium. The games, when they resume in October 2021, will be telecast on Foxtel and Kayo. Hockey is an amazing sport that we all get interested in every four years when

our national teams hold our hopes at the Olympic Games. The Hockeyroos, Kookaburras and also the Black Sticks, are consistent high performers at the international level. They punch above their weight. For me though, I have enjoyed and watched a lot of Hockey for many years as my three girls all play. In our sport rich country, Hockey has been an amateur niche sport contesting for the talent, support and interest of the public, let alone commercial interest. So, when David made the approach he was probably a little surprised to receive my warm interest. Not only was I attracted to the sport with personal interest, I liked that the sport is profes- sionalising and picking up its game on the content it was offering. It is encour- aging to know we are supporting the cultivation of talent into elite levels and the national teams. Giving players an elite tournament to showcase and develop their skills is invaluable. Hockey Australia and NSW Hockey are proving they have ambition, initiative and enterprise. It is a delight to support the NSW Pride and Hockey NSW as they embark on this endeavour.

In remarks to the media, Hockey NSW CEO David Thompson said: “Kennards Self Storage is a well-recognised and proud family-owned Australian business, so we’re delighted to have them join the NSW Pride as our Gold Tier Major Partner. This is a significant partner - ship for both the NSW Pride and Hockey NSW that will benefit not only our athletes and support staff, but our wider hockey membership base as well. We look forward to welcoming Kennards Self Storage to our NSW Pride family and working with them in the years to come.” It is particularly pleasing that the support from KSS provides a significant financial multiplier for the sport. They become more efficient and are making tangible savings well in excess of the amount of the sponsorship. We will keep you all informed about the Hockey One tournament and the perfor- mance of the NSW Pride. There will be opportunity to get to games and to expand the exposure of the Pride.

Sam Kennard Chief Executive Officer

8 Kennards Kourier Jan 2021