Paralympic Sponsor for Tokyo - Sponsor Spotlight

(ATR) Bridgestone has become the highest tier domestic sponsor for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

The tire company became a gold partner for the Paralympic Games providing "tires, seismic isolation bearings & non-motorized bicycles," for the Games. There are now 31 sponsors for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics according to a release.

Bridgestone is currently an Olympic TOP sponsor having joined the program in 2014 and as an IOC partner through the 2024 Olympics.

Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiri Mori said in a statement that he expects the partnership to "constitute a major boost," in the efforts to promote the Paralympic Games. Bridgestone Chief Executive Masaaki Tsuya said the partnership will help grow the shared values between the company and the Paralympic movement.

"Bridgestone will support the journey of all individuals facing adversity who constantly strive to achieve their dreams by realizing our goals of providing ‘service to community,’ ‘social responsibility’ and ‘respect for diversity,’" Tsuya added in a statement.

IPC Staff Outfitted

Chinese company 361° will be the official sportswear provider for the International Paralympic Committee through 2016.

IPC staff, VIPs, and governing board members will receive uniforms from 361° for the 2016 Paralympic Games as part of the agreement.

"We believe IPC staff will certainly stand out from the crowd in what they wear during September’s Paralympic Games," Alexis Schaefer, IPC Director of Commercial and Marketing, said in a statement.

361° previously supplied uniforms for the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games in addition to the 2014 Youth Olympic Games.

Sailors Supplied for Rio

Australian sailors in Rio will be outfitted with Zhik apparel.

The company became the official supplier of the Australian Olympic Committee in a ceremony on March 8. As part of the partnership Olympic sailors will have uniforms containing the company’s new "alvare" fabric.

"Zhik is very proud to be working with the Australian Olympic Team, and we hope our latest innovations help to secure gold in Rio," Brian Conolly, Zhik chief executive said at the event.

"This new product is really quite extraordinary, as it dramatically reduces weight, increases comfort, maintains breathability and protects the sailors from the water."

Six of the 12 person Australian sailing team has been selected. The Australians secured three gold medals and one silver at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro

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