Bridgestone Corp. has "gone from a rookie Olympic sponsor to a model for fan participation" following its Fan Zone at the Olympic Golf Course for the 2016 Rio Games and "will try to help other federations do likewise," according to Larry Fine of REUTERS. Bridgestone, a tire maker and long-time maker of golf equipment, "set up a demonstration area for fans unfamiliar with the game in golf's return to the Olympics" last summer. Bridgestone VP of Sports & Events Marketing Phil Pacsi said, "The feedback was incredible." Golf had previously not been on the Olympic program since 1904, and Brazilians were "largely unfamiliar with the sport." The Fan Zone had putting areas, a long drive simulator and a closest-to-the-pin simulator at three different bays, "with local Brazilian professionals offering lessons to fans." Pacsi said that Bridgestone is "in the talking stage for plans" at the Tokyo 2020 Games and "looking to see if there is something that can translate" for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics (REUTERS, 3/21).
PARIS 2024 SUPPORT: The Paris 2024 Bid Committee signed a landmark agreement with the five main trade union organizations in France that are officially supporting the bid, reinforcing the unity behind the project and highlighting Paris 2024's ambition to organize a Games for all of France. The unions include the General Confederation of Labour, the Force Ouvrière, the French Democratic Confederation of Labour, the French Confederation of Management and the French Confederation of Christian Workers (Paris 2024).
