Völkl is joined by MDM, the largest coin dealer in the world, Neumann & Müller Event Technology, the Riessersee Hotel Sport & Spa Resort and the online video platform stream5.

MDM produced a special edition coin for the 1972 Olympic Games and, as a symbol of the power behind the winter sports tradition in Germany, presented Munich 2018 with three silver coins featuring the Munich Olympic Park, the Olympic Hill in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Königssee Sliding Centre.

Bernhard Schwank, chief executive officer of the Munich 2018 Bid Committee, said: "The commitment from our five new 'Friends of the Bid' shows that credible, local, and world renowned national suppliers are seizing the chance to support Munich 2018 and be associated with its ideas, image and products.

"The level of backing for the bid is continually increasing and we are gaining support from businesses nationwide where every level of the German business community is united in support of the Winter Games in 2018."

Munich 2018's bid will undoubtedly be bolstered by the support from world famous ski and snowboard manufacturer, Völkl, which shares the boundless passion for winter sports associated with Germany and boasts a long-standing commitment to the needs of athletes.

Dr Christoph Bronder, President of Völkl, is familiar with winter sports and knows the athletes' needs.

"'As a top ski manufacturer from Germany which is passionate about sport, Völkl is totally committed to supporting the bid to bring the Winter Games to our home country in 2018 and to help spark the flame of passion for the Olympic Movement," he said.

"As a very successful supplier to Olympians in all disciplines of alpine skiing, as well as freestyle skiing, ski- and snowboard-cross for many years, we hope that we can share our expertise for the benefit of the athletes."

The five new "Friends of the Bid" bring the number of SME corporate partners to 16, with Völkl adding an undeniable edge in winter sports experience, and Neumann & Müller and stream5 sharing their expertise in event technology and digital media.

The Riessersee Hotel Sport & Spa Resort will support Munich 2018 with its strong heritage of servicing winter sports, and MDM will produce 12 Munich 2018 coins which will be available for purchase from December.


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