This crew bag, which was assembled for members of the Sydney Olympic Broadcasting Organisation (SOBO), comprises a range of complimentary products from SOCOG and sponsors of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The contents include a nylon backpack from Canterbury; a thermos and carry bag; a limited edition pin from TrofÂ?; a broadcaster handbook from SOBO; a map of the International Broadcast Centre; and brochures from the Olympic Store.

The pack represents one of the many products that provided Olympic sponsors with additional opportunities for marketing. It was presented to SOBO personnel, and contained items that would be of use throughout the Games. The contents range from practical to recreational, demonstrating that a degree of consideration went into their selection. Olympic athletes and representative from the international media received similar kits at the beginning of the Games.

From early 1994, SOCOG worked rapidly to negotiate its sponsorship agreements, and secured the majority of contracts before the 1996 Atlanta Games. At this time, it developed 'Team Millennium', a three-tiered sponsorship system that acknowledged differing levels of material and financial contributions. Through a competitive tender process, the system ranked sponsors, and assigned them to a tier within Team Millennium: 'Olympic Partner' was the highest tier, followed by 'Supporter' and 'Provider'. The entire program targeted eight industry groups whose contributions would assist Games operations: financial and professional services, technology and telecommunications, transportation and travel services, consumer durables, natural resources, media, and uniforms and sports equipment. Combined with IOC sponsorship, Team Millennium raised AUD$42.10 per head of the Australian population.

Like most sponsorship agreements, Team Millennium was a reciprocal program that provided sponsors with both tangible and intangible privileges. The most obvious privilege was the right to carry Olympic emblems, symbols, and designations. (These designations varied from the specific to the general, and included titles like 'Official Banking Partner' and 'Official Sponsor'.) The Sydney Olympic Games logo, 'Millennium Man', was one of the most prestigious symbols, and was carried by Olympic Partners on their products and promotions. However, not all sponsors were satisfied with their entitlements. The Seven Network was allegedly dissatisfied with its allocation of premium tickets and hospitality packages, believing that these undermined its position as an Olympic Partner. Other sponsors were frustrated by the strict guidelines that controlled the program.

The crew bag contains items that were made for Canterbury, TrophÂ?, the Olympic Store and the Sydney Olympic Broadcasting Organisation (SOBO). The bags were assembled for SOBO personnel for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Unused

Made for and owned by the Olympic Coordination Authority/Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, and donated to the Powerhouse Museum after use in the Games.

Sydney Olympic Broadcasting Organisation crew bag containing a thermos, souvenir pin, handbook, map, and pamphlets, Sydney Olympic Broadcasting Organisation, Olympic Games, Sydney, 2000, contents provided by members of Team Millennium, c. 2000

SOBO Crew Bag: Backpack produced for the Sydney Olympic Broadcasting Organisation containing a thermos in a case, a SOBO pin, an Official merchandise card, a Broadcaster Handbook, an IBC (International Broadcasting Centre) Wayfinder and 2 Olympic Store pamphlets.

Made: 2000

2001/84/469

2000