Penn Mutual sponsors U.S. Olympic rugby hopefuls, Pennsylvania native
February 3, 2016 by IFAwebnews Staff
The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company announced its support and sponsorship of two elite rugby athletes during their training and preparation for this year’s summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Horsham, Pa.-based Penn Mutual named Kristen Thomas and Madison Hughes as brand ambassadors while they train to be selected to the U.S. Olympic women’s and men’s rugby teams, respectively.
Thomas is a Philadelphia, Pa., native who made the switch from solo athlete on the track to team player and motivator on the rugby pitch. She began playing rugby as a walk-on during her freshman year at the University of Central Florida. Her passion for the game, work ethic and athleticism led her to excel in the sport, which was proven as she made her World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series debut at Sao Paulo Sevens last February.
Madison Hughes is a leader who recently led the U.S. men’s rugby Sevens team to a shocking victory over the New Zealand All Blacks Sevens in the Dubai World Sevens tournament. He was captain of his college rugby team at Dartmouth and is currently captain of the U.S. Men’s Rugby Sevens team.
According to a statement, Thomas and Hughes represent values inherent in both the sport of rugby and those prevalent within Penn Mutual, including integrity, respect, relationships, and sense of community.
“The rugby community is truly special,” said Hughes. “While we compete against other teams on the pitch, it’s important to keep in mind a sense of respect and professionalism.” Thomas adds, “It’s tradition that we congregate with the opposing team following the match, win or lose, to celebrate and strengthen the rugby community.”
As brand ambassadors, Hughes and Thomas will partner with Penn Mutual through a series of social media activities, blogs, video interviews, documentaries and personal appearances in support of Penn Mutual’s sponsorship of collegiate rugby. Hughes and Thomas will not only increase awareness of rugby as an Olympic sport, but will also spotlight Penn Mutual’s backing of the sport with collegiate rugby athletes across the country. Penn Mutual sponsors the Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship, The Penn Mutual Varsity Cup, and the National Small Collegiate Rugby Association, powered by Penn Mutual. Through the partnerships with Hughes and Thomas, and in line with its broader rugby-related initiatives, Penn Mutual seeks to attract rugby athletes interested in transitioning into a career as advisors or associates with the company.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Madison and Kristen into the Penn Mutual family,” said Eileen McDonnell, Penn Mutual’s Chairman and CEO. “We’re excited to begin working with them and proud to support them on their journey to Rio!”
