OLYMPICS – The Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) announced yesterday a 1.2 million euro ($1.3m) agreement with sports apparel giants Adidas to provide the national delegation’s kits for the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
This was revealed by BOC secretary general Faris Al Kooheji during a BOC Press conference announcing details of the kingdom’s participation at the upcoming Summer Olympic Games.
“We can further the sponsorship for the next Asian Games, Arab Games or GCC Games, but for now the deal is solely for the Olympics,” Al Kooheji noted.
John Steffensen from JWS Global, who helped broker the deal between the BOC and Adidas, commented: “Adidas has been a fine supporter of sport for a number of years, and Adidas CEO Bjorn Gulden really understands developing nations and the importance of support. When the opportunity arose for a partnership between the BOC and an apparel partner, he saw the vision of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the vision of the country, and that of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
“Adidas decided it fits within the company’s strategy and sees what the region is trying to do with sport, not only for Bahrain but also for the Gulf.”
Al Kooheji added that Adidas will also be extending financial rewards to Bahrain’s athletes who will step onto the podium in Paris or in LA.
“The contribution from Adidas can also increase depending on the performance of our athletes if they win any medals,” he explained. “Adidas will pay the athletes if they attain a gold, silver, or a bronze medal.”
Steffensen added: “We will try to grow the footprint of Adidas and its partnership with Bahrain moving forward, starting with the Olympics. There is no bigger event, and so the vision goes all the way to LA.
“We are truly grateful for Adidas and it is exciting times ahead not only for the region but also for this partnership.”
Bahrain’s official kit for Paris 2024 was unveiled yesterday by some of the kingdom’s top sportsmen and women. Among them were Bahrain football national team goalkeeper Sayed Mohammed Jaafar, women’s football national team star Yasmeen Fayez, and handball national team veteran Mohammed Mirza.
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