HAIR RAISING GAME FOR FORMER PLUMBER

Uponor has pledged its support for Movember, the national charity that raises funds for prostate and testicular cancer this month, in recognition of the involvement of its sponsored darts star, Mark Webster.

Plumbing specialist, Uponor will donate £200 to the Movember campaign to support the former plumber who is growing a moustache to support the charity. Fans will get to see the results as he takes to the stage, at the Grand Slam of Darts tournament in Wolverhampton from 12- 20^th November, and which is broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Uponor’s Sonia Salisbury said: “We’re proud to back Mark and the Movember charity. The plumbing industry is very male orientated so we’re pleased to support a charity that raises awareness and treatment of men that could be working in our industry.”

Mark added: “Movember is a fantastic cause and I’m thrilled to be a part of it and that Uponor have sponsored me during the month.

“I’m probably going to look a bit silly at the tournament but if it raises funds and awareness for Movember, I’m happy to do it.”

To support Mark and his darts co

lleagues who are also taking part in the Movember campaign, you can make a donation at: http://uk.movember.com/donate/team-details/id/263232/searchTerm/modusdarts .

And Uponor’s sponsored player Mark is going from strength to strength: Mark has just been announced as 6th in the world rankings, his highest ranking since joining the PDC in 2009.

Mark’s success is running parallel to Uponor’s new professional fitting system that took plumbing to new levels thanks to its ‘Tool Inside’ technology and high pressure joint system.

The RTM, or Ring Tension Memory, system eliminates the need for tools to make quick, safe and professional joints and is the latest major launch for the company which continues to produce industry-leading innovative plumbing solutions.

For more information about Uponor click on www.uponor.co.uk, email enquiries.uk@uponor.com or call 01455 550355.

ENDS

Uponor is a leading supplier of plumbing and indoor climate systems for the residential and commercial building markets across Europe and North America and a market leader in municipal infrastructure pipe systems in the Nordic countries. Uponor's key applications include heating and cooling solutions and tap water systems. The Group employs ca 3,300 persons in 30 countries. In 2009, Uponor's net sales totalled 730 million euros. Uponor Corporation is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd., Finland. http://www.uponor.com

WD-40 scores a bullseye with sponsorship deal

World number three darts player James Wade is stepping up to the oche with a new sponsorship deal under his belt. WD-40 is behind the ‘new face’ of darts until at least the end of 2010, for a significant five-figure sum.

The rising star from Cobham, who is just 26 years old, has climbed the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) world rankings year after year and in 2008 he became the first player to beat Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor in the Premier League since the event started in 2005.

Following the sponsorship announcement James said: “It is fantastic news that such a big brand wants to provide significant support to me. I regularly used WD-40 when I was a mechanic and can’t believe it’s now on my shirt.

“This is the first sponsorship deal I have had that has not been related to the traditional sponsors in darts and marks a new era for the sport. I look forward to working with WD-40 and hope the backing helps me win more titles.”

European managing director for WD-40, Bill Noble, said: “We felt that darts was the perfect sport to link up with as it fits well with our target audience and has the second highest viewing figures for sport after Premiership football.

“James is a very talented player who is dedicated to the sport and is doing extremely well at such a young age and has a lot of potential to go much further.

“We look forward to cheering him on at the Grand Slam of Darts, later this month.”

The sponsorship begins at the Grand Slam of Darts on Saturday 14th November in Wolverhampton as James hopes to add the title to the Premier League he won in May.

James showed off his talents at the official launch day of the sponsorship deal by playing a few friendly games against journalists and WD-40 staff including Bill Noble. Needless to say he remained undefeated, with no one coming close to beating the world number three.