GE, the technology and services multinational company announced this Friday, 26 August, in a ceremony at Copacabana Palace Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, the extension of its sponsorship agreement with the International Olympic Comittee (IOC) till the 2020 Games, including the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

With high technology solutions implemented in Beijing 2008 and in the Turim 2006 and Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, GE is already guaranteed as a sponsor in London 2012.

"Being able to have the official signature of GE as sponsor of the Olympic Movement here is equal to have the image of our country taken to the world one more time with the participation of GE Brazil", tells Carlos Arthur Nuzman.

The company’s concern for improving the quality of the games has led GE to extend its collaboration up to 2020. The category of Olympic sponsorship includes energy generation systems; energy distribution systems; diagnostic imaging; monitoring and electronic medical records technology; lighting fixtures and systems; aircraft engines; rail transportation; water treatment facilities and services; and equipment and transportation management.

“We are proud to be extending our partnership with the Olympic Movement for another eight years,” said Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO, GE. “The Olympic Games provide a unique opportunity to showcase our innovative technologies and services. Hosting a successful Olympic Games is a transformational opportunity for every host city. We are committed to working with the IOC and the local Organizing Committees to deliver world-class infrastructure solutions and a sustainable legacy to future generations,” says Immelt.

IOC President Jacques Rogge welcomed GE’s continued commitment to the Olympic Movement. “GE is a leading organization, with innovation and sustainability at its core. Over the years, GE has become a vital part of the efforts to deliver sustainably responsible Olympic Games. We are delighted to continue our work with them.”

GE announced last year that it has decided to open its fifth Global Research Centre in rio de Janeiro. Reinaldo Garcia, president and CEO of GE Latin America, “we want not only to help making a great event in Rio de Janeiro, but we also want to leave a legacy in the city.