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Friday, March 29, 2024

Big sponsors to stand by Olympics despite delay

Duration: 01:35s 0 shares 1 views

Big sponsors to stand by Olympics despite delay
Big sponsors to stand by Olympics despite delay

Major firms including Coca-Cola and Samsung say they are committed to their sponsorship of the Tokyo Olympics despite its postponement.

Julian Satterthwaite reports.

Japan woke up to a new reality Wednesday (March 25).

The Tokyo Olympics - so long anticipated - will now be delayed for up to a year.

In the Japanese capital most seemed to support the decision, but there was regret too: (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) 18-YEAR-OLD STUDENT, HARUTO MAGOME, SAYING:"I feel bad for the people who were looking forward to it and the athletes that waited and trained for 4 years.

I'm also worried about the Japanese economy." Such economic worries are well founded.

Japan has spent billions preparing for the games, including many new venues.

Total cancellation would mean a huge loss for the government, organisers and thousands of businesses including hotels.

But in the hours after Tuesday's (March 24) decision to postpone, there was some reassurance.

Major sponsors say they will stand by the summer games.

Procter & Gamble, Intel, Airbnb, Coca-Cola and Samsung Electronics all reaffirmed their commitment.

They're among 14 firms that have committed almost $4 billion to multi-year deals that make them top-tier sponsors.

Some Japanese backers were more wary though.

Tokyo Gas said it was considering its next steps.

While tire maker Bridgestone said it was looking for "creative solutions".

Any companies that do want their money back may find it's not so simple.

Experts contacted by Reuters say deals with the International Olympic Committee probably don't allow for any refunds.

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