IOC Marketing Commission Chairman Gerhard Heiberg signs the sponsorship agreement On the left: Jong Yong Yun, Samsung Senior Vice Chairman and CEO Credit : IOC/Julliart

Samsung yesterday became the seventh TOP (The Olympic Partnership) sponsor to sign up for the seventh period of the TOP programme, which includes the Vancouver 2010 and the London 2012 Olympic Games. They were also the second sponsor, joining Coca-Cola, to have already signed up for the TOP VIII, which includes the 2014 and 2016 Olympic Games.

The partnership between the IOC and Samsung, which began in 1997, was extended for a further eight years during an 'electronic' signing ceremony with IOC President Jacques Rogge, and Samsung's Chairman, Kun-hee Lee, in Beijing yesterday evening.

IOC President Jacques Rogge welcomed Samsung's continued commitment to the Olympic Movement, "The IOC is absolutely delighted to announce the extension of its partnership with Samsung. Their global reach, expertise and cutting edge wireless communications systems have proved essential over the last decade in the efficient staging of the Olympic Games. Samsung's long-term dedication to the Olympic Movement helps ensure the future of the Games, as well as promoting the Olympic values."

Mr JongYong Yun, Senior Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., said "Samsung is honoured to continue to support the Olympic Games for another eight years. We strongly believe that the sponsorship will not only enhance our brand image but also help promote our corporate values that celebrate peace, encourage friendly competition and promote unity among people of all cultures."

IOC Marketing Commission Chairman Gerhard Heiberg commented, "Our partnership with Samsung through to the 2016 Summer Games demonstrates the strength of the Olympic marketing programme. The knowledge and expertise our TOP partners offer an Organising Committee are invaluable, and the Olympic Movement as a whole benefits from their long-term support. Quite simply, staging the Olympic Games would not be possible without our partners across the globe."

The World-wide TOP Partners currently confirmed for Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 are Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonalds, Omega, Samsung and Visa. Samsung have extended their partnership until 2016 and Coca-Cola's partnership continues through to 2020.

President Rogge at the signing ceremony Credit : IOC/Julliart

Cultural show during the ceremony Credit : IOC/Julliart

President Rogge with Samsung Chairman Kun Hee Lee Credit : IOC/Julliart

(Credit: IOC. Click here for further information.)