T-Systems will also give extensive support in the areas of information and communications technology and marketing. T-Systems' R100 million investment in South Africa's Team Shosholoza, for a three year period, makes this one of the largest international investments in a South African sports team, and the biggest sponsorship in local sailing.
"We are extremely proud of our decision to support the SA America's Cup Team, and we believe Shosholoza is a true reflection of the values and characteristics of high-tech sailing and what the T-Systems brand stands for. This investment is also clear proof that South Africa is an important market for T-Systems and shows the company's long-term commitment to the country - we are here to make a difference," said Wolfgang Jakob, CEO of T-Systems South Africa.
"This sponsorship immediately jettisons us three steps forward in our campaign and represents a huge boost for Team Shosholoza and the South African America's Cup Challenge for 2007," said Captain Salvatore Sarno, Managing Director for Team Shosholoza, South Africa's America's Cup Challenge 2007.
Team Shosholoza has already signed up most of South Africa's top yachtsmen including SA international skipper Geoff Meek, SA Olympic sailor Ian Ainslie and top British yachtsman Paul Standbridge as sailing manager as well as local championship title holders. Crack local crews have interrupted promising careers and other top South African sailors have flown in from around the world to join Team Shosholoza.
A new race yacht will be unveiled in late April in time for the next seven preliminary races in Europe when Shosholoza will be competing against the seven other America's Cup teams.
