BEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- The International Skating Union (ISU) announced here on Wednesday that Bosideng, the China's largest winter clothes maker, became the first global sponsor for the ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Cup.

    The deal between ISU and Bosideng will include sponsorship of six stops of the 2004-2005 World Cups. In return, the World Cup will be named as "Bosideng Short Track World Cup."

    "We picks Bosideng for two reasons," said Fredi Schmid, general secretary of ISU. "Firstly, short track speed skating is very popular in China, not only since China won two gold medals in 2002 Winter Olympics, but even earlier before."

    "Based on the information that we learned from China Skating Association, Bosideng have been involved in skating for a long time and it is a very good partner," said Schmid.

    No financial details of the contract was released, but Schmid said: "China has very good skaters, China had very good results inthe international competitions and China has a very good financial environment. With the cooperation of China Skating Association and Bosideng, we can guarantee the success of the World Cup event."

    The 2004-2005 Short Track Speed Skating World Cup, which will be held from October 29, 2004 to February 13, 2005, have six stops worldwide, while China will hold the first two stops in northern city Harbin and Beijing. Enditem