Sponsor Spotlight -- Rwanda Sponsor; Coca-Cola Exec Leaves; Brazil Bonds

Rwandan NOC Signs Sponsor

The Rwandan National Olympic Sports Committee has named its first ever title sponsor in preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Italian outfitter Errea signed a four-year sponsorship with the RNOSC. The agreement includes the creation of an Olympic-themed product line for Rwandan supporters.

The agreement was signed by RNOSC president Robert Bayigamba and president of Errea Angelo Gandolfi.

"The signature of this agreement with Errea reflects the dynamic leadership of our Movement," said RNOSC president Robert Bayigamba.

"I am extremely proud and honored for the confidence shown by such an important player in the sport outfitter’s market."

Coke No Longer Most Valuable Brand, TOP Sponsors Ranked

Coca-Cola no longer "is it" — in terms of being the most valuable brand.

According to the Best Global Brands ranking compiled by Interbrand, set to be released on Monday, Coca-Cola is now the world’s third-most valuable brand. Apple’s rise to the top ends the soft drink giant’s 13-year run at the top, sliding down to number three.

Apple is valued at $98.3 billion, and Coca-Cola at $79.2 billion.

Fellow TOP Sponsors GE, McDonald’s and Samsung are ranked sixth, seventh and eighth respectively, Panasonic at 68 and Visa at 74 were the other ranked TOP Sponsors.

The New York Times cited the report saying: "Every so often, a company changes our lives, not just with its products, but with its ethos. This is why, following Coca-Cola’s 13-year run at the top of Best Global Brands, Interbrand has a new No. 1 — Apple."

Brazilian Bonds Downgraded

Moody’s downgraded Brazil’s economic outlook from "positive" to "stable."

A deterioration of debt-to-GDP ratio and investment-to-GDP ratio were two key issues that led to the downgrade.Brazil’s GDP growth forecast was also lower than expected with the country only expecting 2% GDP growth for 2013.

Brazil is hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Olympic Marketing Exec Leaving Coca-Cola

Scott McCune, Coca-Cola’s vice president of global partnerships and experiential marketing, will leave the TOP Sponsor on March 1, 2014.

The news was announced to Coca-Cola staff in an internal memo supplied to Around the Rings. McCune has worked with Coca-Cola for 20 years.

"Among his many accomplishments, Scott and his teams were responsible for transforming how the company leverages strategic partnerships like the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup into global platforms that drive our business around the world," the memo read.

He will leave Coca-Cola to start his own business. Emmanuel Seuge is now overseeing global sports properties.

Sports Journalist Association Sponsor

The National Lottery of Great Britain will sponsor the Sports Journalist Association British Sports Awards for the next four years.

This is an extension of their previous partnership, which began last December. The National Lottery will be the headline sponsor for the event.

"The SJA is absolutely thrilled to be extending this partnership with The National Lottery, who play such a crucial role in British sport," said Sir Michael Parkinson, the SJA President.

"We are delighted to have the support of The National Lottery as we acknowledge these incredible athletes for their achievements and together we look forward to hosting another enjoyable event on December 12."

Written byEd Hula IIIandAaron Bauer.

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