The Australian Olympic Committee has signed a 12-year sponsorship deal with adidas believed to be one of the richest in Australian sport.

Under the agreement signed in Sydney today adidas will outfit the Australian Olympic Team at the next three Summer Olympic Games, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and the 2016 Olympics.

"This is by far the biggest sponsorship agreement the AOC has ever entered into" said President John Coates. "Of its type we believe it is Australia’s largest sporting sponsorship".

adidas, who last outfitted the Australian Team at the 1996 Atlanta Games, will provide competition and training uniforms, footwear and casual clothing for the athletes, coaches and officials.

"adidas is a leading world brand and we’ve had a great association over the years" Coates said. "We are thrilled to renew our old partnership".

The size of the adidas commitment to the AOC stems from the remarkable success of the Australian Team at the Sydney 2000 Games and the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Australia won a record 58 medals in Sydney and 49 medals, including a record 17 gold, in Athens. The team finished 4th on the overall medal tally at both Olympics.

"The success of our Team is a key factor. Finishing fourth on the overall medal puts us up there with the USA, Russia and China" Coates said. 'adidas has recognised Australia’s strength and position amongst the world superpowers at the Olympic level".

"adidas also recognises the value of an association with the athletes within the Australian market. All credit goes to the athletes for the way they have performed and behaved on the world stage at the Olympics in Sydney and Athens. They have been so impressive and obviously this is an attraction for any sponsor", Coates said.

AOC