Samsung extends and expands Paralympic partnership

Korean electronics giant Samsung has signed a long-term agreement to remain as a worldwide partner of the International Paralympic Committee beyond the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Samsung follows Panasonic in signing a multi-year renewal with the IPC after the Japanese consumer electronics company confirmed it would stay on as a worldwide partner earlier this month.

After the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, Samsung will expand its sponsorship of the multi-sport event to the wireless communications equipment and computing equipment category, which includes smartphones, tablets, laptops, personal computers, computer accessories and desktop printers.

IPC president Sir Philip Craven said: “Samsung and its wireless technology have a long and rich history in delivering unforgettable moments for the last five Paralympic Games. Through various campaigns, Samsung has led the way in engaging the wider public in the day-to-day lives of para-athletes in the lead-up to and during Games time.”

Samsung began its association with the Paralympic Games at Torino 2006 and has supported every event since through to this year’s winter Games in Sochi.

The company will continue to run initiatives such as the Samsung Paralympic Blogger programme, where Paralympic athletes have the chance to connect directly with fans and provide behind-the-scenes insight via social media.

In August, Samsung extended its worldwide TOP partnership with the International Olympic Committee through to 2020, becoming the IOC’s final existing top-tier partner to commit through to the Tokyo Games.