As part of the new agreement, BP, which also became an official partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games recently, will continue its sponsorship of six athletes that began in the run-up to London 2012.

These are London 2012 heptathlon gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill (pictured top), road cycling silver medallist Lizzie Armitstead, Paralympic sprint champion Richard Whitehead, hurdler William Sharman, Paralympic long jump silver medallist Stef Reid and and London 2012 wheelchair marathon silver medallist Shelly Woods.

"The UK has been the home of BP for over 100 years, and we are delighted to contribute to British life in many different ways," said BP vice-president Peter Mather.

"We are particularly pleased to support such strong organisations, with their unique values and amazing athletes, as they strive for great achievements over the next few years."

Paralympic T42 200 metres gold medallist and world record holder Whitehead said: "What impressed me with BP is that the support and commitment was the same for all six athletes regardless of ability or disability."


BOA chairman Sebastian Coe also welcomed the announcement, saying that continued support is needed to ensure that British athletes remain successful on the international stage.

"BP understands that success in the Olympic Games is the culmination of years of sacrifice and training, and as a proud partner of Team GB, BP is helping to ensure that British athletes have the resources and support they need to excel on the Olympic stage," he said.

"BP also recognises the unique power of sport to transform lives by inspiring people to pursue their goals and dreams, and we are grateful for their continued support of Team GB on the journey to Sochi and Rio."


BP was the official oil and gas supplier to the London 2012 Games and has entered into a number of sponsorship agreements with National Olympic and Paralympic Committees around the world including in Angola, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey and the United States.

"Today's announcement is fantastic news for us and our colleagues at the BOA," Tim Hollingsworth, chief executive of the BPA, said.

"BP has been a committed supporter of ours for many years and we are very pleased that we will have their close involvement once again.

"We now have a growing family of partners who understand the value of the Paralympic movement in the UK and its potential to challenge perceptions of disability.

"With their backing, we will be doing everything we can to provide the very best support to our sports and athletes over the next winter and summer Games."