Bridgestone Becomes the 11th IOC Official Partner

 

 

Bridgestone, the world's largest tire and rubber company, has signed a top-tier "TOP Sponsor" agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The contract covers five Summer and Winter Games, including the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, through the 2024 Summer Games.

An announcement ceremony was held on June 13 at the Imperial Hotel in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. Attendees included CEO Masaaki Tsutani, IOC President Thomas Bach, IOC Vice President John Coates, IOC Marketing Commission Chairman Tsunekazu Takeda, and Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee Chairman Yoshiro Mori.

Currently, 10 global companies, including Coca-Cola and McDonald's, are listed as TOP sponsors. Among Japanese companies, Panasonic has renewed its contract through 2024. TOP sponsorships are limited to one company per industry sector, granting the right to use the official sponsor designation and Olympic logos in promotional activities. Under the agreement, the company becomes the official tire supplier for Games vehicles and gains priority negotiation rights for supplying seismic isolation rubber used in competition venues and bicycles (excluding electric and motor-assisted types) for athletes and officials.

CEO Tsutani stated, "Our corporate philosophy of 'Contributing to society with the highest quality' aligns with the Olympic spirit. We are confident this partnership will grow and strengthen both brands." President Bach remarked, "We are delighted that Bridgestone, a global leader in its industry, will contribute to the Olympic Movement for the long term," emphasizing that both parties chose each other as partners.

 

After signing the agreement, Naoko Takahashi (Sydney Games women's marathon gold medalist) and Kosuke Kitajima (Athens and Beijing Games men's swimming gold medalist), who rushed to the venue, presented congratulatory bouquets to the two.

Footage from the event is available on the website ( bridgestone.com/photo/20140613/ ).

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