Worldwide Olympic Partner Samsung helping athletes stay connected in Tokyo

As part of this programme developed for athletes by the IOC and Samsung, limited Olympic Edition Galaxy phones are distributed to all competing athletes, helping them enhance their Games-time experience, while enabling them to stay connected with family and friends, and capture and share their journeys. 

In addition, the Worldwide Olympic Partner is launching digital innovations for Tokyo 2020 that will allow consumers and fans to experience the Olympic and Paralympic spirit wherever they are in the world.

“Samsung is helping athletes stay connected to their loved ones and providing new safe ways for consumers, fans and media to experience Tokyo 2020,” said Timo Lumme, Managing Director, IOC Television and Marketing Services. “Together, we are able to engage with and inspire athletes and fans worldwide, and keep the Olympic spirit strong through Samsung’s innovative mobile technology and new digital platforms.”

Keeping athletes connected

Samsung – the exclusive wireless communications equipment provider of the Olympic and Paralympic Games – first introduced its Olympic Edition Phone for the Olympic Games Seoul 1988, and has been providing them to athletes since the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014. This initiative was extended to Paralympians for PyeongChang 2018, and will continue for Tokyo 2020 and beyond as Samsung demonstrates its commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic movements.

As well as helping athletes stay in touch with family and friends throughout the Games, the Galaxy S21 5G Tokyo 2020 Athlete Phones come pre-loaded with a variety of apps and links to help them get the most out of their Olympic experience.

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This includes direct access to the Athlete365 platform, where they can connect directly with the IOC and the IOC Athletes’ Commission and learn about all the resources, programmes and support available to them. To ensure safe and secure Games, the phone also features COCOA, the official COVID-19 contact tracing app of the Japanese Government, which will notify users of contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, while ensuring anonymity for privacy.

Additionally, the Galaxy S21 5G Tokyo 2020 Athlete Phone features a pro-grade camera for users of any skill level, and the most advanced processor ever in a Galaxy device for greater speed. The mobile devices are also energy efficient and provide advanced computing capabilities to support 5G connectivity and on-device AI. To commemorate Tokyo 2020, the iconic design of the device will feature a blue body and the respective Olympic rings and Paralympic agitos inscribed on the back.

Engaging fans around the world

To engage with fans and media around the world during Tokyo 2020, Samsung is extending its Olympic and Paralympic Games initiatives to digital and social platforms, including the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Tokyo 2020 Media Centre.

This will become the main destination for all of Samsung’s Olympic and Paralympic Games content, where fans and media can learn more about the athletes who are part of Team Galaxy, read real-time news, watch Team Galaxy activations, and download behind-the-scenes content.

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The virtual experience will provide an opportunity to connect with the Games in more diverse ways than ever before, allowing fans to come together to enhance the Olympic and Paralympic spirit through Samsung’s latest 5G advancement, including augmented reality camera filters on the official Tokyo 2020 app and virtual reality platforms powered by Samsung Galaxy 5G. Additionally, Samsung will launch its #TweetToCheer campaign, which will bring back the fan applause for athletes during the Olympic and Paralympic Games – with the ingenuity of social media and Galaxy technology.

Samsung will also continue to partner with the IOC on its #StrongerTogether Challenge to engage athletes and fans. The digital-led initiative is run through the Samsung Health app and encourages the Olympic community to work out virtually at home, together.

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“Amid all the challenges of the past year, the Olympic spirit remains strong, and Samsung will continue to support the Olympic and Paralympic movements and connect fans with the Games just as we have for over 30 years,” said Stephanie Choi, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Marketing Team of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “New mobile technology, such as 5G capabilities and advanced Galaxy offerings, will create faster ways for fans to participate in the Games and give both athletes and fans the opportunity to stay even more connected and engaged. There’s never been a more important time to come together, and we are proud to change the way consumers experience the Olympic and Paralympic Games – no matter where they may be.”