VELUX announced as official sponsor of Men's 2016 European Handball Championships

VELUX has been announced as the latest official sponsor of the EHF Men's European Championships ©VELUX

Window manufacturer VELUX Group has been announced as an official sponsor of the 2016 European Handball Federation (EHF) Men's European Championships in Poland.

The Danish company, who are also the title sponsor of the continents flagship club competition, the EHF Champions League, will have a strong presence throughout the event, which takes place from January 15 to 31 next year.

“The VELUX brand has already developed a strong presence on the handball market through its successful long-term title sponsorship of the VELUX EHF Champions League,” EHF President Jean Brihault said.

“The Men’s EHF EURO 2016 is set to be the biggest European Championships of all time and by further extending its sponsorship activities within handball, the VELUX Group now has an even greater opportunity for brand exposure and activation both in Poland, a market with a huge handball following, and worldwide.”

VELUX become the latest company to associate themselves with the event following workshop, house and garden specialist BAUHAS, storage solutions firm AJ and sportswear provider Intersport in signing on as official sponsors.

A maximum of eight brands will feature on the official sponsors line-up, with more to be announced in the near future.

Reigning champions France come into the event as favourites following their victory at London 2012 ©Getty Images

“With the EHF EURO 2016, we can extend our handball commitment in multiple key markets for the VELUX Group and share the passion and professionalism that best describes the VELUX Group,” Michael Rasumussen, VELUX senior vice-president brand, added.

“The wide reach of the tournament especially in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe, combined with the most extensive hospitality involvement we have ever had at an international sports event, provides a valuable avenue for us to create and strengthen our relationship with customers and partners.”

The tournament itself features Europe’s top 16 teams split into four groups, with the top three in each progressing to the main round.

Reigning European champions and London 2012 Olympic gold medallists France have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Poland, Macedonia and Serbia.

Group B features Olympic bronze medallists Croatia, Iceland, Belarus and Norway, with Group C comprising London 2012 runners-up Sweden, Spain, Germany and Slovenia.

Denmark, Hungary, Russia and Montenegro make up Group D.