Costa Rica 2014 receives national backing
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Banco de Costa Rica, Banco Nacional, Banco Popular of Costa Rica, The Costa Rican Tourist Board, INS and Kölbi have all signed on to become National Supporters of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2014. The competition has gained the support of an impressive 6 institutions from varied industries such as Finance and Banking, Telecommunications and Energy Solutions, Insurance and Tourism, that are sure to be an integral part of the success of the competition.
Founded 136 years ago, the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) is the oldest Costa Rican financial institution. Its state support gives it widespread coverage of branches throughout the country. It works with clients from institutions, corporations, businesses, small businesses, and individuals, remaining focused on its mission of boosting social development, competition, and sustainability in Costa Rica. The BCR believes that sports are an effective way to promote values such as competition, commitment, and the constant striving towards excellence. These are also institutional values that help shape their customer service philosophy and social impact program, and believe that this competition represents these same values.
Banco Nacional is presently the largest commercial bank in Central America, being 100% state-owned; it also operates as a development bank in terms of public infrastructure and social interest financing. Banco Nacional concentrates its operations in Costa Rica, with over 170 offices serving its entire territory. Banco Nacional became a national supporter of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in order to help the Government of Costa Rica in its efforts towards the development of sports and tourism in the country.
Banco Popular of Costa Rica is a financial institution of the state banking network with almost 45 years of experience in the industry. As National Supporter, Banco Popular wants to support all of the young women under 17 years old that are eager to take the women’s football to next level, and help the young, rising football stars to have more and equal professional opportunities regardless of their gender.
Established in 1955, The Costa Rican Tourist Board governs tourism activities in the country, while it develops strategies and tactics to ensure the quality of the destination, as well as develop projects and procedures that will continue to make the Costa Rica tourism competitive while maintaining its position in the international market. This unprecedented event will offer the country a strategic positioning as a tourist destination and as a model regarding sustainable tourism, which is one of the reasons the board has chosen to support this high-profile international competition. This represents an opportunity to spearhead the visibility of the country’s attraction for tourists and to position Costa Rica into new markets.
INS insurance is proud to be part of this important global event that takes place in Costa Rica. By supporting the event, they aim to contribute to the development of the national sport and women's participation in these world class competitions.
Kölbi is a company with a leadership position in Costa Rica which offers telecommunications and energy solutions for the improvement of the quality of life of the country’s population. The production of most of their energy makes use of clean and renewable sources throughout the country. Kölbi is a brand that supports and represents the highest values of the Costa Rican society, and its products reflect the Costa Rican people’s entrepreneurial spirit and attitude for success. Sport event sponsorships are a way for the company to support the national sport, and celebrate with fans, but mostly with the aim of being close to their clients.
FIFA’s Marketing Director, Thierry Weil commented on the agreements, saying: “It gives us great pleasure to welcome these companies as National Supporters of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica. The fact that so many Costa Rican brands are committing to the event is great news for us and highlights the appeal of the event within the host nation, and we look forward to working with them."