The chief executive of South Africa's Olympic governing body, Tubby Reddy, says a dual sponsorship from a leading fuel and chemical brand will help boost sport in the country.
Sasol, the sponsor of the SA Paralympic team since 2007, announced a new deal with the country's Olympic squad on Thursday, with 29 days to go to the London Olympics.
“As we all know, sponsorship and funding is the very lifeblood of sport,” said Reddy.
“The 2012 Olympics and Paralympics are almost upon us and if we are to continue being a force in the ranks of world sport it's sponsorships such as these that will be of fundamental importance.”
South Africa secured only one medal at the 2008 Beijing Games, with Khotso Mokoena bagging silver in the men's long jump.
The SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) hopes the team will return with far more medals from London, having aimed for a 12-medal haul in the English capital. – Sapa