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Wanjiru and Meiji Seika Launch Sponsorship Deal

http://sankei.jp.msn.com/economy/business/081128/biz0811281823010-n1.htm

translated by Brett Larner

Meiji Seika Chief of Operations Ryoji Kono with Samuel Wanjiru in Tokyo Nov. 28.

On Nov. 28, Savas sports supplement maker Meiji Seika and Beijing Olympics men's marathon gold medalist Samuel Wanjiru of Kenya held a promotional event to formally kick off the company's sponsorship agreement. Wanjiru debuted the new Savas uniform he will wear in competition and announced plans to appear in TV commercials. Meiji Seika will provide Wanjiru with a supply of Savas and offer professional nutrition advice.* The initial agreement between the two parties will last for one year, with options for renewal at least through the London Olympics. Wanjiru intends to keep Japan as the main base for his training. He told reporters, "Drinking Savas will help me break the world record."

*Translator's note: The original announcement of Meiji Seika's sponsorship agreement mentioned that the company would also pay Wanjiru $3 million over the lifetime of the deal.

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