Sponsor Spotlight - New Partners for Sochi, FINA, COC

New Sochi Sponsors

Paul Hartmann, Samsung, Volkswagen, Power Technologies and Yamaha signed sponsorship agreements for the Sochi 2014 Games.

Paul Hartmann will supply high-quality medical devices for the 2014 Paralympic Games.

"It is a great honor for us to support the Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, and it is a task that places great responsibility on our shoulders," said Paul Hartmann CEO Yuri Kalabin.

"We have no doubt that thanks to the Games the Paralympic movement is going to receive a fresh boost to its development in Russia. Helping people is an integral part of Paul Hartmann's mission."

Samsung signed on to be the official supplier of computer hardware for the Sochi Olympics.

The IOC TOP sponsor will supply portable and desktop computers, copying equipment, and printing devices for the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee.

"We are certain that our partnership with Samsung will allow us to meet the highest technological standards, and make Sochi 2014 Olympic Games most innovative," said Dmitry Chernyshenko, President of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee.

"Throughout our longstanding, close partnership, Samsung has proven that it is a reliable partner, and its experience is rightfully considered invaluable."

Volkswagen was named supporting partner for the Sochi 2014 Torch Relay.

The German automaker will deliver commercial and passenger vehicles for the torch relay team, security personal, escorts, and the media.

Power Technologies will be the temporary power supplier for Sochi 2014 venues.

120 diesel generators, 70 transformer stations, and 2000 electrical switchboards will provide the Mountain and Coastal Clusters, Olympic Park, Olympic Village, and Media centers with electricity for the Games.

Yamaha signed an agreement to be an Official Supplier of utility vehicles for the Sochi Games.

"We are delighted to become Official Suppliers of the Sochi 2014 Games," said Toshiya Kawano, President of Yahama Motor CIS.

"It is a great honor to be involved and we are excited at the prospect of contributing to this event. Yamaha Motor's main goal is to make a person happier and more joyful, which is of course consistent with the mission of the Olympic Games."

Sochi Suitcases

Sochi 2014 added a line of suitcases to its Licensed Products Range.

Each suitcase will feature designs of the Sochi 2014 patchwork quilt, as well as pictures of the Sochi 2014 mascots.

Samsonite will produce the luggage.

Team Canada Gets Dressed

Adidas will outfit the Canadian Olympic team for four years.

The deal was announced by the Canadian Olympic Committee on Tuesday.

Under the partnership, adidas will launch a new "High Performance Collection," and the apparel will be sold through SportCheck stores in Canada.

"The adidas brand is synonymous with so many memorable international sporting moments, therefore partnering with seven of Canada’s most accomplished athletes was a natural fit," said Marcel Aubut, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee.

Olympic Countdown Clock Unveiled

The countdown to the Sochi 2014 and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics officially started on Monday.

TOP Sponsor Omega and the IOC unveiled a clock in downtown Lausanne showing the time left until the Games.

Omega unveiled a special clock designed to count down to the Sochi and Rio Olympics in downtown Lausanne.

The clock, made of seven blocks of limestone, features carvings representing the sports that will take place at both Games. designed to represent the sports and federations that will participate in both Olympics.

IOC President Jacques Rogge, Omega President Stephen Urquhart as well as government and sport officials were present for the ceremony.

A statement on the City of Lausanne’s website said the Swiss timepiece company worked with the Swiss government officials and the IOC to design the clock. The clock was designed to pay tribute to the outgoing IOC President.

FINA World Champs Sponsor

Allianz signed an agreement to be a national partner for the FINA World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona.

The German insurance company will have its logo prominently displayed in the four competition venues as well as provide insurance for the championships.

"During the World Championships in Barcelona, the world’s best athletes will fight to achieve their goal after months of hard work and improvement," said Jose Luis Ferré, general director of Allianz Seguros.

Written by Aaron Bauer

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