Sponsor Spotlight - First Paralympic Partner for Rio; Podium Apparel for Team USA

Rio Adds First Paralympic Sponsor

Nissan has become the first commercial partner for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

"Having Nissan do Brasil as the first sponsor of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games is to start a partnership that has as its main link the convergence of philosophies. With Nissan's experience in providing mobility to handicapped, through their adapted vehicles, we can give athletes more autonomy until the Rio de Janeiro Games," said Andrew Parsons, president of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee.

Nissan will provide 2,000 vehicles for athletes competing in the Paralympics, 270 of which are fitted for handicapped individuals or those with special needs.

Since Nissan’s partnership begins immediately, the company will be providing transport services and vehicles for the Brazilian Paralympic Committee in London this August and September.

"It is highly gratifying to see that a company like Nissan, which is already a partner of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, sees Paralympic Games with equal importance and is committed to help us deliver the Games with excellence and to promote the Paralympic and Olympic sports in Brazil and in South America," said Carlos Nuzman, president of Rio 2016 .

Nike Unveils 2012 Podium Apparel

In partnership with the USOC, Nike has released its apparel and footwear that U.S. athletes will wear on London's medal podium.

"Nike has developed a groundbreaking concept for U.S. athletes on the medal stand in London with innovative looks and thoughtful details that speak to American pride," said USOC Managing Director of Consumer Products and Licensing Peter Zeytoonjian. "At the pinnacle moment in their drive for Olympic and Paralympic greatness, our athletes will be outfitted in the most revolutionary and eye-catching Nike products."

The three combinations are the Nike 21st C. Windrunner, Nike Bowerman Tech Pant and Nike Flyknit Trainer+, the Nike MKllJacket, Nike Game Pant, Nike AF1 Lo/Slim, and the Nike Varsity Bomber Classic, Nike Hawthorne Dri-FIT Stretch 5 Pocket Jean, Nike Blazer Mid LR.

Each is a take on previous Nike products and styles with new innovations and never-before-seen technology. They also contain many features that pay homage to USA.

Jordanian Airline Sponsor

Team Jordan will fly to London via easyJet.

EasyJet, the U.K.’s largest airline, made the announcement Tuesday.

Jordan will send its largest Olympic team to London with nine athletes currently qualified, and others still poised to qualify for the Games.

"We are delighted that easyJet has stepped forward to offer our athletes travel to and from the Games, " Lana Al Jaghbeer, Jordan Olympic Committee Secretary General, said in a statement. "In today’s financial climate sponsorship is crucial for our athletes and this contribution is very much appreciated by all."

Oakley and USOC Partnership

Oakley will continue to be the official supplier of Team USA through 2020.

"U.S. athletes trust Oakley eyewear, and we are proud to partner with a company that has earned such a distinguished reputation for performance technology," said USOC Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Baird. "In addition, the partnership allows Team USA fans to show their support for athletes by purchasing products from the Team USA Collection."

Athletes in over fifteen different sports will be wearing Oakley sunglasses while competing in London and during Olympic Qualifying.

Oakley will also supply Team USA athletes with sunglass in Sochi 2014, Rio 2016, PyeongChang 2018, and the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. Oakley will also be outfitting athletes at the Summer and Winter Youth Olympic Games through 2020 as well.

The Team USA Collection is available at Oakley.com as well as through the USOC website TeamUSAShop.com.

Three Companies Vie for New Olympic Sponsorship

The evolution of technology beyond the realm of PCs and laptops is leading the IOC to drop its computing equipment category in favor of a new one that would also include the growing use of tablets.

ATR Editor Ed Hula has more in this exclusive story.

Compiled by Aaron Bauer.

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