by Larry Eder
The battle for sports market and product domination continues. I remember, about a decade ago, how the marketing team at VISA told me how well the word Olympic, was received by the sports product consumer. Nike extended its’ contract with the U.S.O.C. through 2016, as official footwear, apparel and yes, headware of the U.S. Olympic teams…..
Nike extends sponsorship of U.S. Olympic Committee through 2016
Partnership includes outfitting of 2012, 2014, 2016 U.S. Olympic, Paralympic Teams
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.
– NIKE, Inc. and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) announced today that
NIKE, Inc. will extend its sponsorship of the USOC as an official
outfitter through 2016.This includes providing footwear and apparel for
the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes including the medal stand
uniform that will be worn on the award podium and during medal
ceremonies during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Sochi
2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, as well as the Rio de Janeiro
2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The Olympic Games represent
Nike’s core DNA – to provide innovation and inspiration to athletes at
the highest level,” said Nike GM of North America Elliott Hill. “We are proud to support our U.S. athletes and are excited to continue Nike’s partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee.”
NIKE, Inc. will also provide
the award uniforms for the 2014 and 2016 U.S. Youth Olympic Teams, and
the 2015 U.S. Pan American and Parapan American Teams. As a USOC
sponsor, NIKE, Inc. holds the categories of apparel, footwear and
headwear.
“We are proud to extend our
partnership with Nike through 2016, a company that brings innovation to
athletes the world over,” said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun. “Nike’s
skill at developing performance-driven apparel and footwear has been
instrumental in equipping U.S. Olympians and Paralympians as they strive
to reach the pinnacle in athletic excellence. We thank Nike for its
support of America’s athletes.”
Founded in 1972, NIKE, Inc.
has championed the Olympic Movement by providing athletes with
innovative performance footwear, apparel and equipment since Steve
Prefontaine competed in the 5,000 meter at the 1972 Olympic Games in
Munich. The company first became an official sponsor and licensee of the
U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams in 2005, as athletes and organizers
were preparing for the 2006 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in
Torino.
NIKE, Inc. will outfit U.S.
athletes competing in nearly every sport at the London 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic Games with superior lightweight performance footwear, apparel
and equipment, including the official uniforms for the following U.S.
National Governing Bodies: USA Archery, USA Basketball, USA Canoe/Kayak,
U.S. Modern Pentathlon, U.S. Soccer Federation, USA Taekwondo, and USA
Track & Field.
Listening to the voice of the
athlete, Nike strives to help them achieve their highest potential on
the world stage. Through this process, for Beijing the company debuted
the Zoom Victory Spike, an extremely lightweight track spike featuring
Flywire as an alternative weight-reducing support structure. In
addition, an apparel mesh called Aerographics was incorporated into
competition uniforms using a thermoregulation system and strategically
placed seaming. Nike and the USOC will unveil official apparel items for
the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams as the Games near, including
the celebrated medal stand look.
For more information, please contact the USOC Communications Division at (719) 866-4529 or visit www.teamusa.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
.
