LOCOG Signs UPS As Fifth Tier Two Partner For '12 Games

LOCOG today announced that UPS has agreed to become its fifth Tier-Two Supporter and the 22nd domestic sponsor overall of the '12 London Games. UPS will serve as the official logistics and express delivery sponsor of the event, taking over operations of the Games Logistics and Command Centre and managing LOCOG's transportation and logistical operations (LOCOG). The deal, worth around US$32.2M, is believed to "consist partly of cash and partly of value in kind." UPS will be "involved in various tasks, including taking control of the storage and processing of sporting items and equipment" (GUARDIAN.co.uk, 9/30). The AP's Robert Millward notes UPS was a provider for the '08 Beijing Games, as well as serving as a partner for the '96 Atlanta, '98 Nagano and '00 Sydney Games (AP, 9/30).

PUBLIC PUSH: In Manchester, Owen Gibson reports the public "could be asked to fund Team GB's medal push in 2012 alongside billionaire backers and corporate sponsors." LOCOG officials "hope that one legacy of the 2012 Games will be that sport can start to build a structural framework to rival the cultural world in facilitating and encouraging philanthropic donations." Initial discussions have taken place about "launching a campaign that would enable the general public to contribute financially in 2011 as the Olympics gets closer, perhaps through buying branded merchandise that would enable them to display their support for Team 2012" (Manchester GUARDIAN, 9/30).