The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced that computer manufacturer Lenovo has joined The Olympic Partner (TOP) Programme. This marks the first time that a Chinese company has been part of the worldwide marketing programme.
The agreement with the Olympic Movement, which includes sponsorship of the National Olympic Committees and their Olympic teams, positions Lenovo as the official computing technology equipment and service provider for the XX Olympic Winter Games in Turin in 2006 and the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing in 2008.
Commenting on the announcement, IOC President Jacques Rogge said, ‘We are delighted to welcome Lenovo into The Olympic Partner Programme. For the Olympic Movement, this partnership delivers funding to help stage the Olympic Games, technology equipment to operate the complex systems, services to manage the logistical demands, and people to staff some of the most critical functions. In addition, the relationship will play an important role in the promotion of the Olympic Movement and sport throughout China, Asia and across the globe. We look forward to a strong and beneficial partnership with Lenovo’.
IOC Marketing Commission Chairman Gerhard Heiberg added: ‘This is the first time a Chinese company has become an IOC TOP partner and we are excited to see this milestone in the history of the Olympic Movement. All TOP members are leading brands with outstanding quality and image. As a well-known technology equipment manufacturer, Lenovo has demonstrated its commitment and capability to support the world’s Olympic athletes, the host cities of the Olympic Games and delegations and fans from all around the world.’
Yang Yuanqing, Lenovo CEO, said: ‘We appreciate the IOC’s trust in Lenovo and our products. Lenovo is committed to supporting sport both in China and worldwide. Our belief in ‘Innovation and Excellence’ echoes the Olympic spirit of ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’ (Faster, Higher, Stronger). Becoming an IOC worldwide partner allows Lenovo to demonstrate its technology and products to the world, while promoting social values and pursuing its corporate objectives.’
Lenovo joins Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, John Hancock, Kodak, McDonald’s, Panasonic, Samsung, Swatch and Visa in the sixth generation of The Olympic Partner (TOP) programme (2006 & 2008).
For more information please contact:
Karen Webb
Manager, Marketing Communications
IOC
Tel: +41 21 621 6415
Fax: +41 21 621 6216
karen.webb@olympic.org