Bridgestone Corp. has entered into an agreement with the International Olympic Committee to be a worldwide Olympic partner through the 2024 Olympic Games. The agreement covers all of the company's tires, making Bridgestone the official tire of the Olympic Games.
The company says its relationship with the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement is effective immediately and includes the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. In addition, Bridgestone has been granted sponsorship rights in Brazil, Korea, Japan, and the United States through 2016.
Beginning in 2017, Bridgestone's sponsorships will include the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the Olympic Games to be held in 2022 and 2024 in cities yet to be determined.
The agreement also includes any Youth Olympic Games which may be held during the term 2017 to 2024.
In addition to tires, the product categories covered by the Bridgestone sponsorship agreement include seismic isolation bearings, which are used to protect structures from earthquake damage, and non-motorized bicycles.
Bridgestone CEO and Chairman of the Board Masaaki Tsuya says, "As a global corporation, Bridgestone is excited to partner with the entire Olympic Movement, a group of organizations that not only brings together the world's athletes at the greatest athletic festival, but also blends this celebration of sport with a spirit of service to community, social responsibility, a respect for diversity and a commitment to the fundamental principles of Olympism."
The company says the partnership gives it a strategic global platform which will allow it to reach its customers with new activation and communication methods; build awareness of its brands and technologies; and continue globalizing its operations through the support of its proud teammates around the world.
