FIS MEDIA INFO: Oslo 2011 enjoys great sponsor interest, Statoil confirmed as presenting sponsor

Oberhofen, 18th December 2009/--The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2011 in Oslo (NOR) have announced today that Statoil will be its Presenting Sponsor. This major Statoil engagement is part of the company's future talent project established together with the Norwegian Ski Association, known as "Team Morgensdagens helter" (Heroes of Tomorrow) and complements Statoil's new sponsorship involvement with the Norwegian Ski Association.

Beyond confirmation of Statoil as presenting sponsor, the highest sponsor level, Oslo 2011 has met with a very positive market reception. At present, the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Oslo 2011 can already confirm four of the eight main sponsors. Statoil will be joined by Norwegian companies Aker Solutions and DnB NOR as well as Intersport and the Swedish sportswear specialist Craft that will also serve as the official clothing supplier.

"For FIS, such great sponsor interest underscores the value of the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships as a high quality product in the winter sports marketplace," commented FIS President Gian Franco Kasper. "We are happy to welcome onboard this premium group of distinguished names from various industries and look forward to excellent Championships in the cradle of Nordic Skiing at the brand-new Holmenkollen stadium."

"The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2011 will be the biggest event in Norway in decades. The Championships in 1966, 1982 and 1997 already left an ever lasting impression in Norwegian ski history," says Åsne Havnelid, CEO of Ski-VM 2011, the event's organizing committee. "We are both glad and proud that three of the most important companies in Norway along with big international firms have decided to partner with us."

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), in its capacity as the holder of the TV and marketing rights is pleased that the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2011 have already generated widespread interest amongst the sports enthusiasts and within the business circles. "A solid group of international sponsors strongly contributes to the success of the Championships, not only regarding the financial support but also the enthusiasm that these companies have demonstrated and the will to be involved in various aspects of this important event in Norway", says Ingolfur Hannesson, Head of Winter & Indoor Sports at the EBU.

Christian Pirzer, CEO of Tridem Sports, the agency conducting sales for the marketing rights holder EBU, noted: "With 433 days to go until the start of the event, it feels very comfortable to be able to say that we only have four sponsor packages left for Oslo 2011. We encourage companies interested in the remaining packages - Ski Jumping individual and team, Nordic Combined individual and Cross-Country sprint - to hurry up!"

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About FIS

Founded in 1924 during the first Olympic Games in Chamonix, France, the International Ski Federation (FIS) aims to promote the sport of skiing and snowboarding and directs the development of all ski and snowboarding activities world-wide. It administers the Olympic disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding, including setting the international competition rules. With the help of its 110 member nations (one currently suspended), FIS stages more than 6'000 ski and snowboard competitions annually. FIS also makes recommendations for recreational skiing and snowboarding in the interest of all and promotes play in the snow as a healthy leisure activity for children and the youth. For more information, please visit www.fis-ski.com .

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