The agreement continues Coca-Cola's involvement in the Paralympic Games ©Coca-Cola

Soft drinks manufacturer Coca-Cola have been announced as the latest sponsor of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The company are one of 12 major global brands which currently make up the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) TOP Programme, holding rights until Tokyo 2020.

They have now opted to extend their involvement in Rio 2016 after sealing an agreement to join Bradesco, Correios, Embratel, Claro, GE, Nissan, Omega and P&G as a sponsor of the Paralympics Games.

"Coca-Cola is present in the major sports moments of celebration in the world and we are taking another step in that direction with the sponsorship of the Paralympic Games Rio 2016,” said Flavio Camelier, vice-president of Coca-Cola Brazil for Rio 2016.

“Just as we have a long relationship with the Olympic Games since 1928, we have established long-term partnership with the Paralympic Games from Barcelona 1992."

As part of the agreement Coca-Cola are set to receive branding and marketing rights, including the use of Paralympic marks within their advertising throughout Brazil.

The deal extends the brand’s involvement in the Paralympic Games having sponsored every edition since Barcelona 1992.

Rio 2016 Paralympic mascot Tom meets Brazilian President Dilma Rouseff and Carlos Nuzman, head of the Organising Committee ©Getty Images
Rio 2016 Paralympic mascot Tom meets Brazilian President Dilma Rouseff and Carlos Nuzman, head of the Organising Committee ©Getty Images

“This will be the largest edition of the Paralympic Games in history, with 4,350 athletes competing for 23 sports,” said Carlos Nuzman, President Rio 2016.

“I am very happy to have Coca-Cola as partners.

“Let's make the first South American Games with a lot of energy and warmth.”

The agreement follows an announcement last month that the Toyota Motor Corporation had signed on as the sixth Worldwide Paralympic Partner of the International Paralympic Committee until 2024 in a “ground-breaking partnership”.

Due to Nissan holding the rights for the automotive category, however, at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, their global partnership is not due to begin until 2017.



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