Sponsors Celebrate One-Year-to-London

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Omega

To celebrate the 2012 Olympics, Omega is turning to 1948—the last time London hosted the Olympics.

Omega unveiled its watch for the 2012 Games Wednesday, an updated version of the Seamaster, first released in 1948.

The re-designed watch has yellow gold medallion that is embossed with the London 2012 Olympic Games logo on the back. It also has a white gold vintage Omega logo and name as well as white gold numerals.

Only 1,948 pieces will be made, each delivered in a "London 2012 presentation box".

"With its strong connections to the 1948 and 2012 London Olympic Games and its powerful link to OMEGA's history, the Seamaster 1948 Co-Axial "London 2012" Limited Edition will rightfully earn its place of privilege as the ultimate OMEGA Olympic Games collectable" Omega said in a statement.

Omega also has another model for the 2012 Games, a "steel on steel" watch.

Seamaster watches typically start at over $2,000 retail.

Atos Gears Up for London 2012

As part of its celebration of one-year to the Olympics, TOP Sponsor Atos extended its partnership with the International Paralympic Committee.

The I.T. services company announced it will design and run the website for the London 2012 Paralympics and as part of its continued partnership with the IPC, Atos will build and launch a new IPC website this fall.

"Our website is now our most important communication channel to promote Paralympic sports, athletes and news to a global audience," said IPC President Philip Craven.

"We are delighted that we can count on Atos, which has the technology expertise as well as the knowledge of the Paralympic Movement, to help us redesign and update our website to meet and exceed the needs of sports fans in 2012," he added.

Atos also claims it has delivered most of its technology for the Games.

The company created a volunteer portal that allows people to apply for 70,000 volunteer roles, a technology lab and an equipment deployment center, that is fully operational.

In the fall, Atos will launch its Technology Operations Center, its mission control for the Games and in the winter it will release its system that will process the accreditation of 200,000 athletes, media, volunteers and officials. Next spring, Atos will host a final technical rehearsal where it will simulate the three busiest days of the Games.

British Airways Flies Olympic Message

British Airways flew its Olympic colors Wednesday.

Flight 'BA001' from London City Airport to New York carried the "One Year to Go" message on its underbelly Wednesday. BA said it expected the message to be visible in London as the plane flew above.

"This is the first time in the history of British Airways that we have branded the underbelly of an aircraft with a celebratory message. We hope it will bring a real sense of excitement to the Olympic Park and people living around the area," said Garry Copeland, British Airways director of engineering.

Citi Celebrates One Year to Go With Olympians

USOC sponsor Citi hosted Olympians a flag-raising ceremony yesterday at its New York headquarters.

Olympians Alicia Sacramone and Susan Francia, and paralympian Jeremy Campbell participated in the ceremony.

"Observing this important milestone on the Olympic calendar with inspiring athletes was a great way to celebrate our sponsorship of Team USA," said CEO Vikram Pandit, who was also at the ceremony.

"Helping America’s athletes fulfill their Olympic dreams is one way to demonstrate our support for the athletes and our country, reinforcing the commitment to excellence we share," he added.

Written by Ann Cantrell.