The French IT firm, which last year extended its partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) until 2024, will provide systems integration services, and timing, scoring and results technology for the Games at more than 30 competition venues in 15 different municipalities.

The company - whose sponsorship of London 2012 was overshadowed by protests from campaigners angry that while sponsoring the Paralympics, it was also assessing disabled people's ability to work on behalf of the British Government - claimed its "split-second technology" will determine the winners "when sprinters cross the finish line in world-record time or the time clock ticks down the remaining seconds in a deadlocked soccer match at the Games".

It will also work with Toronto 2015 to manage and build systems, as well as provide a centralised Games-time helpdesk, and staff for planning, implementing and operating equipment at venues.

"The innovative spirit of Atos and its recognised talent in delivering some of the most high-profile international sporting events in the world makes it a wonderful partner for the Toronto 2015 Games," Saäd Rafi, chief executive of the Games organising committee, said.

"Its work will be front and centre whenever spectators and athletes look at scoreboards during the Games or fans read results at toronto2015.org."

Atos was targeted by angry protesters during London 2012 ©AFP/Getty Images


The deal will also see the multipurpose venue for badminton, table tennis, water polo and Parapan table tennis, which is under construction in downtown Markham, named as the Atos Markham Pan Am/Parapan Am Centre during Games time.

Patrick Adiba, Atos' chief executive for Olympic Games and major events, said the firm is looking forward to helping "make the Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games a great success".

Atos joins the likes of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Cirque du Soleil, Chevrolet Canada and Loblaw Companies as official Toronto 2015 sponsors.

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