By Duncan Mackay

Bryan_Clay_celebrates_victory_at_Beijing_2008April 11 - Nike has extended its sponsorship of the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams until the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, they announced today.


The deal includes providing footwear and apparel for the US Olympic and Paralympic athletes including the medal stand uniform that will be worn on the award podium and during medal ceremonies during London 2012 and Sochi 2014, as well as Rio.

It extends a partnership that started in 2005 and has included the Winter Olympics in Turin and Vancouver in 2006 and 2010 and the Summer Games in Beijing in 2008.

"The Olympic Games represent Nike's core DNA - to provide innovation and inspiration to athletes at the highest level," said Elliott Hill, the general manager of Nike in North America.

"We are proud to support our US athletes and are excited to continue Nike's partnership with the US Olympic Committee (USOC)."

Nike will also provide the award uniforms for the 2014 and 2016 US Youth Olympic teams, and the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American teams in Toronto. 

"We are proud to extend our partnership with Nike through 2016, a company that brings innovation to athletes the world over," said USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun.

"Nike's skill at developing performance-driven apparel and footwear has been instrumental in equipping US Olympians and Paralympians as they strive to reach the pinnacle in athletic excellence.

"We thank Nike for its support of America's athletes."

Nike also sponsors several national governing bodies, including USA Basketball, US Soccer Federation and USA Track & Field, all of which will feature athletes competing in Nike kit at London 2012.

After the last Games in Beijing, senior officials hailed them as "the best Olympic games Nike has ever had...a great, great experience".

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