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Back To NewsOptus and the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) have today announced a ten-year agreement that sees Optus become the official telecommunications partner of Australian Paralympic Team.
Optus’ relationship is further strengthened by the announcement of current Optus Business employee, World Champion, and Paralympic hopeful Matthew Formston as an official ambassador for the Relentless Improvement network campaign.
Formston, who is legally blind, competes as a Para-cyclist in both tandem road and track events. An Optus employee since 2002, Formston is a World and Australian title holder.
The Optus sponsorship includes the Summer Teams for Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and the yet to be determined host city for 2024. It also covers the Winter Teams for PyeongChang 2018, Beijing 2022 and the yet to be determined host city for 2026.
Ben White, Acting Managing Director of Product and Marketing, Optus said, “Partnering with the Australian Paralympic Committee for the next ten years complements our existing partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee, and confirms us as the official support network of Australia’s contingent of elite athletes in Rio 2016.
“Optus’ aim to become a mobile-led multimedia company is underpinned by its strong sporting and entertainment partnerships, and this is yet another fantastic addition for our customers in what is set to be a huge year of sporting action.
“We’re so proud to support Matt in his journey towards Rio and beyond, his achievements and determination are extraordinary and an inspiration to us all.”
Australia has participated at every Paralympic Games since the first summer Games in 1960 (Rome, Italy) and first winter Games (Örnsköldsvik, Sweden) in 1976. Australia has finished in the top five at the summer Paralympic Games since Atlanta in 1996, and topped the medal tally at the Sydney Games in 2000.
The APC is currently preparing to send 170 athletes from every state and territory to the Rio 2016 Paralympics (September 7-18), to compete in 15 sports including the newly added Para-canoe and Para-triathlon events.
Lynne Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Paralympic Committee said, “ We are extremely honoured to have Optus join us on our road to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and beyond. We are especially proud to have such a positive affirmation of the increasing profile and importance of Paralympic sport with this long term partnership.”
“Both the APC and Australia’s Paralympic athletes are looking forward to working with such an innovative brand over the next ten years, to not only share our moments of gold, but to collaborate and relentlessly improve to become the best we can be and make our country proud.”
The multi-year agreement gives Optus access to a comprehensive sponsorship program which includes the partner recognition program, Paralympic themed promotions, branded merchandise, VIP events, Paralympic Games tickets and hospitality, and licensed product opportunities.
By Optus and APC Media
Posted: 20/4/2016
