Olympikus, a brand of Brazilian footwear company Azaléia Group, is looking to the 2007 Pan American Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro in order to increase its reputation abroad, especially in other Latin American countries, having signed an R$69 million (US$28.163 million) sponsorship agreement with the Organising Committee of Games.

The agreement signed by Olympikus - the brand, sponsor of the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) since 1999 - includes TV transmission of the event and a licence for Olympikus to produce a range of clothing and accessories carrying the event’s logo.

The deal represents the largest marketing event ever undertaken by the Olympikus brand that accounts for 10% of the Brazilian sports shoe market. In total, over R$100 million ($40.816 million) will be invested over the next two years in connection with the event.

"We have also signed contracts to supply the kits to the delegations of 24 countries, that is, 70% of the delegations taking part in the games," said Paulo Santana, marketing director of Azaléia. "Through this investment we expect to consolidate Olympikus as an internationally renowned sports gear brand", he added.

The agreements with the COB and the foreign delegations plus the licence agreement will increase production of Olympikus garments and accessories three-fold by 2007. 

In 2004, the Azaléia Group reported R$1 billion (US$408.163 million) revenue. Almost 40% of that revenue was achieved through the Olympikus brand. The other brands of the group are Azaléia, Dijean, Funny, Asics and Opanka.

In the last ten years, Azaléia's exports have increased 170%, hitting the 9 million pair mark last year.