ATR First: Intel Center Stage for IOC

(ATR) Intel is the newest addition to the International Olympic Committee’s stable of worldwide TOP sponsors.

The IOC and Intel announced the technology partnership at an official signing ceremony in New York with IOC president Thomas Bach and Intel’s Chief Executive Officer Brian Krzanich in attendance.

Intel is joining The Olympic Partner (TOP) program through 2024 with the goal of enhancing the Olympic Games through its technology.

Specifically, the company’s primary focus will be infusing its 5G platforms, VR (virtual reality), 3D and 360 content development platforms, artificial intelligence platforms and drones, along with other silicon solutions to enhance the Olympic experience.

Bach called the partnership "a landmark moment for the future of the Olympic Games" during his remarks in New York on Wednesday.

"The cutting edge technology provided by Intel will open up possibilities for experiencing the Olympic Games in many ways," Bach added.

The first Olympic Games activation will take place at the 2018 Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea in February, where Intel technology will provide real-time virtual reality viewing.

Intel’s global rights will also include the Tokyo 2020, Beijing 2022 and the Olympic Games in 2024 in either Los Angeles of Paris.

Intel will work across the Olympic Movement and with other Olympic partners to integrate technology into many facets of the Olympic Games.

Among the Olympic partners who will profit from Intel’s technological and content support will be Olympic Broadcasting Services host broadcaster operations, as well as the Olympic Channel.

"The Olympics is a good venue for people to see what is available from Intel. If you can’t get there, you can be there," Krzanich tells Around the Rings.

"The Olympics is about reaching consumers but is also about reaching businesses," he says about the application of 5G wireless connectivity that Intel says will be part of the Intel Olympic effort.

"The leadership of Intel and our partners is just as critical to accepting that 5G is real and is here now," says the Intel CEO.

Lisa Baird, the US Olympic Committee marketing director tells ATR the new Intel sponsorship is a "great deal for us".

"We’re going to use the technology in our training centers. They’re going to have access to Team USA athletes, coaches and trainers to showcase everything that can be done to contribute to our success."

The IOC president presented in Olympic torch to Krzanich for the upcoming 2018 Winter Games in PyeongChang. Unveiled in Korea for the one year to go mark in February, the appearance of the torch in New York City is believed to be a first outside the host country. Bach invited Krzanich to run with the torch relay when it begins later this year in October with the flame lighting in ancient Olympia.

Krzanich says he’s ready to start training.

With Intel headquartered in Silicon Valley in California, Krzanich admitted that bringing the Olympic Games to Los Angeles for 2024 would be "a great showcase for our technology".

"No matter where the games are, we’ll be there, but LA would be a prime location for us," he said.

Paris is the other city in the race for 2024, with the IOC apparently moving towards selecting one of these two candidates for the 2028 Summer Games as well. That decision comes at the IOC Session in Lima this September.

Written by Gerard Farekand Ed Hula, with reporting from Ed Hula in New York.

Travel provided by Intel

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