– Company launches ‘Spirit of TT Award’ to recognise unsung hero Isle of Man based gaming company PokerStars has confirmed their sponsorship of the 2010 TT Races Superbike Race which will be held on Saturday 5th June. The company will also be the Official Gaming Partner of the TT Races. PokerStars has been involved with the TT since 2007 and their sponsorship has included the Supersport, Superstock and Senior TT Races in 2007 and the Senior TT Sponsor in 2009. The company agreed to swap their sponsorship to the Superbike race in 2010 to allow Dainese to bring in Moto GP stars Jorge Lorenzo and Angel Nieto for the Dainese backed Senior TT this year: the date clash between the Superbike Race and Moto GP weekend in Mugello, Italy would have prevented them coming to the Isle of Man for the Superbike race. The company also supports leading Manx rider Conor Cummins who finished runner up in the PokerStars Senior TT in 2009. Conor is currently the fastest recorded road racer in the world following his exploits at last year’s Ulster Grand Prix and is one of the leading contenders for honours at the 2010 TT Races. This year the company is launching a ‘Spirit of TT’ Award as part of their sponsorship. This has been created to recognise a selfless contribution to the event’s success by a local unsung hero. The criteria for the award are based on key qualities such as innovation, leadership, teamwork, respect and integrity. The award is open to anyone who contributes to the event, such as riders, marshals and volunteers. The annual award will be judged by a panel of representatives that includes a representative from PokerStars, Geoff Corkish, MBE, MHK, the Political Member for Isle of Man Tourism, ACU Chairman Jim Parker, Isle of Man Newspapers Journalist John Turner and Manx Radio Managing Director Anthony Pugh. Becs Cubbon, who is responsible for PokerStars’ on Island sponsorship, commented: “As a company we are very committed to the Isle of Man and are grateful for all the support that we have received since our arrival in 2005. We are delighted to be involved with the Island’s Blue Riband event as we celebrate our fifth anniversary on the Island and believe that our award and sponsorship is a great way of putting something back into the community.” Geoff Corkish, MBE, MHK, The political member for Isle of Man Tourism, commented: “PokerStars has made a truly significant contribution to the TT Races since its arrival on the Isle of Man and their welcome support has enabled us to improve many aspects of the running of the event. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with the company.”