Samsung Signs on as Official Sponsor of Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games

"On behalf of the International Paralympic Committee, I wish to extend our thanks to Samsung for their great support," said Sir Philip Craven

The partnership announced today represents an important extension of Samsung’s involvement with the Paralympic Games, through which Samsung will support the IPC's efforts to communicate the inspiration and excitement of Paralympic Sport to a wider audience around the world. Under the agreement, Samsung will be the Official Wireless Communications Equipment Provider and the Official Mobile Communications Equipment Provider of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, exclusive bib sponsor and Presenting Partner of www.ParalympicSport.TV.

"On behalf of the International Paralympic Committee, I wish to extend our thanks to Samsung for their great support," said Sir Philip Craven. "The continuous involvement of an innovative, global company like Samsung will contribute enormously to the success of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. As Paralympians competing here in Vancouver will become visible on ParalympicSport.TV, people from all over the world will be able to follow their exciting performances and learn about their inspiring stories."

"We are honoured and delighted to become a Worldwide Paralympic Partner of the IPC and Official Sponsor of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games," said Mr. Kwon. "The Paralympic Games are about making accessibility a priority, and Samsung is fully committed to the vision of the IPC, which is 'To Enable Paralympic Athletes to Achieve Sporting Excellence and Inspire and Excite the World'."

"As the Chief Information Officer for VANOC, I have seen first-hand the work that Samsung has done to help the Organizing Committee stay connected with their mobile telecommunications technology," said Ward Chapin, VANOC CIO. "Samsung will continue to help organizers and athletes stay connected throughout the Paralympics with their community messaging so that everyone can share every memorable moment of these Games."

A highlight of today’s signing ceremony was a visit from Jean Labonté, captain of the Canadian National Ice Sledge Hockey Team and Samsung Athlete Ambassador. Labonté was on the Canadian team that won the gold medal at the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games and has been the captain of the Canadian Paralympic Team since 2007.

"As a member of Team Samsung, I am very pleased to be working with a company that appreciates the importance of allowing people to achieve their athletic goals and making sports accessible to everyone," said Labonté. "The Paralympic Games represent a means for people to overcome adversity and strive for sporting excellence, and Samsung’s support will certainly help to make that a reality for athletes from all over the world."

Labonté’s experience and achievements as the captain of the Canadian team will be documented in an exclusive video blog. This blog will be available on www.ParalympicSport.TV, the internet TV channel of the IPC which will webcast more than 140 hours of coverage from the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Paralympic Games

Samsung is a Worldwide Partner of the IPC in the category 'Mobile Telecommunications'. The partnership was launched on the eve of the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games, which Samsung supported as an Official Games Partner for the first time ever.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in telecommunication and digital convergence technologies with 2008 consolidated sales of US$96 billion. Employing approximately 164,600 people in 179 offices in 61 countries, the company is recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands and a leading producer of mobile phones. For more information, please visit: www.samsung.com.