The company has agreed to partner with U.S Paralympics for Rio 2016, Pyeongchang 2018, Tokyo 2020 and the 2024 Paralympics Games, where a host has yet to be decided.

The deal maintains Bridgestone’s strong relationship with the Olympic and Paralympic Movement as the company, founded in Fukuoka in Japan in 1931, became part of The Olympic Partner (TOP) scheme in 2014.

They also recently joined up with Tokyo 2020 as a Paralympic Gold Partner.

Will Groulx, a member of the American team which won wheelchair rugby gold at Beijing 2008 before he switched to cycling in 2013, is one of the leading names on the Team Bridgestone programme and is currently in training for Rio 2016.

Groulx is one of six American athletes involved with the Team Bridgestone iniative, along with marathon runner Meb Keflezighi, swimmer Cullen Jones, gymnast Aly Raisman, footballer Kelley O’Hara and Khatuna Lorig, who competes in archery.

In the build-up to Rio 2016, the competitors will participate in both employee and consumer communications and marketing efforts.

Olympic gold medallist and track and field legend Michael Johnson will serve as the “coach” of the roster of athletes.

“Bridgestone shares a common set of values with the Olympic and Paralympic Movements, and shares a passion for performance with the incredible athletes and para-athletes that are the driving force of the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Bridgestone Americas executive vice-president, chief administrative officer and chief risk officer Christine Karbowiak.

“We believe that sport has the power to excite, inspire and unite people from diverse backgrounds all over the world, and we’re proud to partner with Team USA, U.S. Paralympics and athletes like Will as they chase their dreams.”