MUMBAI: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that Johnson & Johnson will join The Olympic Partners (Top) programme as the first broad health care products sponsor.

The agreement, with global marketing rights beginning at the close of the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games, involves Johnson & Johnson’s consumer products, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and medical devices and diagnostics. This partnership is up to and including the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

In July 2005, Johnson & Johnson became a domestic partner of the Torino 2006 and Beijing 2008 Games. Thie new announcement allows Johnson & Johnson to activate their marketing rights globally.

IOC president, Jacques Rogge, welcomed the partnership with Johnson & Johnson, stating that the agreement will be positive for both the Olympic Movement and the athletes.

“We are proud to welcome Johnson & Johnson to the Olympic family of worldwide partners. Johnson & Johnson’s contribution to the Olympic Games, National Olympic Committees and of course the athletes will be invaluable” he says.

Johnson & Johnson corporate VP, corporate affairs, Brian Perkins says, “This partnership reflects a shared philosophy in caring for people, whether they are athletes or, in the case of Johnson & Johnson, people around the world,” Perkins said. “This global opportunity will enable Johnson & Johnson to provide enhanced health education, services and care to people around the world while expanding our reach in emerging markets and strengthening our businesses in developed areas.”

IOC Marketing Commission chairman, Gerhard Heiberg commented that Johnson & Johnson will make a significant contribution to the Olympic Movement. “The support that Johnson & Johnson will bring to the athletes and the Olympic Movement is greatly welcomed. This partnership brings to 12 the number of worldwide sponsors of the Olympic Games and clearly shows the success and strength of our marketing programme. I look forward to our association with this company,” Heiberg said.

The IOC worldwide partners are: Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, Johnson & Johnson, Kodak, Lenovo, Manulife, McDonalds, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung, Visa.