Pentax U.K. and The NFA have signed a three-year sponsorship deal which sees one of the World’s leading camera manufacturers become the sponsor of the Division One National Angling Competition and supporter of other NFA initiatives such as the Junior National in July.

The sponsorship deal was finalised only last week and allows Pentax full naming rights of the main competition with the event being named, ‘The Pentax NFA Division One National’.

As a leading supplier of photographic equipment Pentax will work with the NFA on the Division One and Junior National competitions to help anglers record their most memorable moments and improve on their landscape and wildlife photography skills.

Pentax as an official NFA partner will provide a photographic section on the NFA’s website, www.nfadirect.com which will give all anglers out there an opportunity to maximise the value of their photographs with top tips and techniques advice.

There will also be opportunities at NFA events which will allow anglers to have a taste of how they can improve their photography and also to have a go at using the latest in photo technology, such as digital SLR cameras and lenses as well as popular compact cameras.

The new deal takes effect immediately and Paul Baggaley, The Chief Executive of the NFA, comments, “This is good news for us, but it is also good news for angling.  Pentax is a major multinational and this deal not only adds to the credibility of the organisation but also the sport.  There is growing interest in angling from outside of the sport as businesses move away from blanket advertising to niche marketing and we are delighted that Pentax have chosen the NFA as a partner.”

David Moore, managing director of Pentax UK comments, “When Pentax began the search for a sporting partner this year, angling stood out as the obvious choice.  Not only are anglers routinely surrounded by amazing landscapes and wildlife but you also have to strive to be the best you can in such a competitive sport.  I personally feel that the combination of these two factors provides one of the best environments for outstanding photography”.

He continues, “Angling has always been a sport that is close to my heart, right back from when I was ten years old and my uncle first took me sea fishing for mackerel off the Devon coast.  That is the first of many happy angling memories for me and so I’m delighted that Pentax is supporting the sport in the UK.”
    

About Pentax
Pentax U.K. Limited was formed in 1979 and is a subsidiary of the PENTAX Corporation of Japan. The Imaging Systems Division successfully distributes its products through a number of channels, including independent camera shops and national retailers. The product range is extensive and includes state of the art digital SLR and zoom compact cameras, through to highly sophisticated professional medium format equipment. There is also a superb range of binoculars, suitable for a variety of leisure activities. Today, Pentax is a leading supplier of professional and recreational cameras and photographic equipment world-wide.

Pentax U.K. Limited, Imaging Systems Division, offers an online press lounge, designed to provide the UK media with access to an extensive library of information relating to Pentax’s range of cameras and binoculars.

Simply click on the link (www.pentaximagingpr.co.uk) and you’ll be able to access press releases, downloadable product images and company logos, product specification sheets and a Pentax company backgrounder.

The National Federation of Anglers
The sport of angling is recognised by Sport England and the Government as offering key benefits to society through participation in a healthy outdoor activity. As anglers we already know how our sport helps us to unwind from the stresses of everyday life and enjoy the pleasures that our countryside provides.

We also play a key role in the conservation of our rivers and lakes as we are often the first to notice water pollution and fish disease. It is through our efforts that we help to safeguard the environment in which our sport takes place, and protect the very existence of our sport.

Angling caters for every cross-section of the community irrespective of age, gender, race, physical ability, mental ability or social standing. Through our pro-active coaching and development programmes we are helping to educate youngsters about the skills required in everyday life, as well as the current issues that affect our sport and how they can participate and contribute to the development of angling.

By joining the NFA you are supporting our work which promotes and protects your sport. It is only through adopting a collective stance that we can highlight the issues that threaten the development of angling as a modern and vibrant sport.