Countdown Clock Ticks in Buenos Aires -- Sponsor Spotlight

(ATR) The downtown obelisk in Buenos Aires is counting down the last 120 days to go until the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

The iconic site was chosen as the location for the traditional countdown clock before an Olympic Games. Omega has sponsored the Olympics as a timekeeper since 1932.

Buenos Aires President and IOC Member Gerardo Werthein helped kick off the countdown with Omega general manager Alain Zobrist and Felipe Miguel, Chief of Cabinet Ministers for the City of Buenos Aires. Joining the organizers at the ceremony was #Pandi, the newly-unveiled mascot for the YOG.

"The world will be witness to a fantastic celebration of sport with the power of youth and the Olympic spirit," Werthein said after the ceremony. "We thank Omega for accompanying us on this journey."

The clock's location is where the Games’ opening ceremony takes place. Instead of a traditional ceremony in a stadium, Buenos Aires is opting for an outdoor celebration.

Geri Woessner Joins USA Archery

USA Archery announced Geri Woessner as its new Director of Sponsorships and Donor Engagement.

Woessner worked the last six years for USA Swimming, where she was promoted to Director of Sales. She secured several partnerships during her time there for both USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation. Merchandise revenue set a new organizational high under her leadership, through increased online and 2016 U.S. Olympic Trial sales.

"I am excited to join the exceptional team at USA Archery and continue the development of the sponsorship and donor platforms to drive investment in the sport and serve our passionate membership,"Woessner said in a statement.

USA Archery’s CEO Rod Menzer stated, "USA Archery is thrilled to have someone of Geri’s experience and skill set joining our staff. We look forward to her success and what it will mean for all our programs and USA Archery members."

Beijing 2022 Adds Sixth Top Sponsor

The 2022 Winter Games organizing committee signs its sixth top sponsor.

Shougang Group, one of the largest manufacturing companies in China, was appointed as the official urban regeneration services partner for the 2022 Games.

Zhang Jiandong, vice mayor of Beijing and executive vice president of Beijing 2022, and general manager of Shougang Group Zhang Gongyan signed the agreement at Beijing 2022 headquarters.

IOC president Thomas Bach and International Paralympic Committee chief Andrew Parsons were among guests at the signing ceremony along with IOC vice presidents Yu Zaiqing and Juan Antonio Samaranch, who also chairs the Beijing 2022 coordination commission.

The Olympic officials were in Beijing this week for the IOC’s debrief on the PyeongChang Winter Games, which included a series of transfer of knowledge sessions to aid organizers of the next Olympics in Tokyo, Beijing, Paris and Los Angeles.

Beijing 2022 now has six official partners, which are: Bank of China, Air China, Yili Group, ANTA, China Unicom and Shougang Group.

Written by Aaron Bauer,Jeffrey Farekand Mark Bisson

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