IOC Celebrates TOP Program; London Stands behind BP

TOP Anniversary Celebration

Founders of TOP, the worldwide sponsorship program of the IOC, assembled in Lausanne June 24 for a reunion dinner to mark the program’s 25th anniversary. TOP was first an acronym for The Olympic Program, but now is shorthand for The Olympic Partners.

"Over the past few decades, the TOP Programme has gone from strength to strength, which is a testament to both the original idea of creating the program and the continuing power of a partnership with the Olympic Movement and the Olympic Games," IOC President Jacques Rogge said.

Individuals associated with the early days of TOP went to Lausanne for the tribute, including companies now gone from the program such as Kodak and 3M.

The TOP anniversary party followed Thursday’s meeting of the IOC Marketing Commission where updates were given on the quest for one or two new members of the TOP program.

Coe on BP

London 2012 Chairman Lord Sebastian Coe said oil giant British Petroleum, one of the biggest London 2012 sponsors currently under fire for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, is "a partner to stay."

Speaking as he left an Executive Board meeting at IOC headquarters in Lausanne on Tuesday, Coe praised BP and its efforts to deal with the environmental disaster, saying they have a "strong record of supporting sports, particularly the arts."

"If I felt uncomfortable about BP or my board felt uncomfortable about BP, they wouldn’t have been sitting at the table in the first place," he told reporters. "I’m delighted they are our partners and they will remain our partners. BP is a world-class company that is dealing openly with a very serious issue. I want them to be able to focus on doing that, but also reassure you that they are a partner to stay."

BP has been a top-tier sponsor of the London Olympics for two years. London 2012 is being promoted as the greenest games of all times.

The oil company has come under intense criticism after the Deep Horizon drilling rig -- which it operated --exploded in April, causing what has since become the largest offshore spill in U.S. history.

Vast areas of the Gulf of Mexico have been blanketed by gallons of crude oil spewing into the ocean for weeks. BP has committed to a $20 billion fund to compensate victims of the oil spill.

U.S.-based consumer products company Procter and Gamble is said to be the next, announcement imminent.

2011 for U.S. TV Rights to the Olympics

The lead negotiator for the IOC says he’s not expecting to strike a deal for the U.S. rights to the 2014 and 2016 Olympics until 2011.

IOC member Richard Carrion of Puerto Rico says the economy in the U.S. is still too weak for the IOC to open up talks.

Current rightsholder NBC paid $2.2 billion for the 2010/2012 rights.

"We're in no hurry yet," Carrion said. "It's more the economic environment that shapes these things. We still see a fragile economy in the U.S. ... There is a lot of change going on in the market," Carrion told Stephen Wilson of the Associated Press.

Chinese Green Energy Company at World Cup

A Chinese solar company has struck a sponsorship deal for its logo to be showcased on electronic boards during the World Cup games.

Yingli Green Energy Company’s is the first Chinese World Cup sponsor.

The company’s Yingli Solar logo can be seen for 30 seconds at a time duringeach of the 64 World Cup matches.

"The World Cup is a very good platform that can immediately boost our brand awareness in every potential market around the globe," Vice President Jason Liu told AP.

The company makes and sells solar panels. It is the first renewable energy sponsor for the FIFA event.

Briefs…

...London 2012 has a new sponsor after signing on Ulster Weavers as the official kitchen textiles supplier. Ulster Weavers will supply the 2012 Games with tea towels, aprons, oven gloves, tea cosies and textile bags.

…Smithfield Packing Company is the latest 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The company will supply protein products to food service operators.

…Brancott Estate will provide the 2011 Rugby World Cup with wine after becoming an official sponsor. Brancott Estate is a premium brand of the company Pernod Ricard.

…Brewery Company Beerlao sponsored the Olympic Day celebration in Vietnam at the Luang Prabang National Stadium on June 23.

Coming Next Week…

…A look into Coca-Cola’s activities as the FIFA World Cup is underway in South Africa. The FIFA sponsor has activities in South Africa as well as other countries.

To subscribe to Around the Rings Click Here

With reporting from Isia Reaves,

For general comments or questions, click here