European Athletics is pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached with OMEGA, the manufacturer of prestige Swiss watches, to become the official timekeeper and data handling partner of European Athletics and its 20 championships events until the end of 2012, including the European Athletics Championships 2010 in Barcelona and the European Athletics Indoor Championships 2009 (Turin) and 2011 (Paris).
The partnership between the Swiss luxury company and the governing body for athletics in Europe connects the continental championships programme to the existing sponsorship of Golden League meetings and is set to promote the shared values of both organizations.
Commenting on the new arrangement, Stephen Urquhart, President of OMEGA, said “In view of OMEGA’s longstanding relationship with the world of athletics crowned by our role as Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932, we are extremely happy to bring our expertise and world wide resources to this important association”.
Hansjörg Wirz, European Athletics President, said “We are thoroughly delighted to welcome OMEGA to the European Athletics family and found them as the first new partner for our programme of championships events, which runs from 2008 to 2012. This new partnership with one of the most renowned global brands clearly shows the attractiveness of our events to the commercial market.
Christian Milz, Director General of European Athletics, explained “Next to the technical service provided by OMEGA at our events, we believe that the brand precisely fits our values and we will be able to develop a very fruitful relationship in the coming years.”
The new partnership comes at a time where European Athletics has redesigned the format of a number of its events, including the introduction of the European Athletics Championships in the Olympic year from 2012 and the revised format for the annual SPAR European Athletics Team Championships from 2009.
European Athletics is the governing body for the sport of athletics in Europe and is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. As an innovative organization, change is a key element of its activities while ensuring the stability of the sport and its associated values through its member federations.
Since 1932 OMEGA has been the Official Timekeeper of 22 Olympic Games and has been called upon to time those of Beijing of 2008, Vancouver of 2010, and London of 2012. From its creation OMEGA’s history has been replete with examples of innovation, record precision, audacious design, pioneering spirit and a tradition of excellence in watch making.
For further information please contact:
European Athletics
Lars Kaiser
Marketing & Sales Manager
Phone: 0041 21 31 34 365