Bridgestone steps up as Paralympics sponsor through 2024

TOKYO — Bridgestone Corp. has agreed to become a partner of the International Paralympic Committee, affording the Japanese tire maker global rights to promote and support the Paralympic movement through 2024.

The new agreement with the IPC extends Bridgestone's involvement with the international Olympic movement. Bridgestone signed a deal in 2014 with International Olympic Committee (IOC) to become a sponsor of the Olympic Games, both summer and winter, through 2024.

As a partner in the Paralympic movement's highest sponsorship tier, Bridgestone will receive global IPC rights in categories that include tires, tire services and selected automotive vehicle services, self-propelled bicycles, seismic isolation bearings and a variety of building and industrial products.

Bridgestone also is a Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Gold Partner and a partner of the Japan, Thailand and USA Paralympic teams. Financial terms of the various deals were not disclosed.

The company has supported several leading international para-athletes, including eight Bridgestone employees who are training to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Increasing its commitment to support the global Paralympic movement aligns with the company's "Chase Your Dream" message, which aims to encourage people to overcome obstacles and persevere in pursuit of their goals, Bridgestone said.

"We … believe the company's 'Chase Your Dream' message enjoys perfect synergy with the aspirations of the Paralympic movement and the IPC," IPC President Andrew Parsons said.

"Part of the IPC's vision relates to para-athletes' achieving sporting excellence, in effect people with a disability chasing their dreams through para sport at all levels of competition. By working together, I hope we can empower even more people around the world to chase their own dreams."

Bridgestone CEO Masaaki Tsuya said, "Bridgestone is honored to become a Worldwide Paralympic Partner and further support the IPC's important mission to create a more inclusive society through para sport.

"Bridgestone is committed to improving the way people move, live, work and play, and our company's core values of service and diversity are reflected in the Paralympic movement. Together, we will celebrate the world's most remarkable athletes and inspire people of all abilities to chase their dreams."