BankWest have signed a five-year deal to become a partner of the Australian Olympic team for the Beijing Summer Olympic Games in August, the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games and the 2012 Games in London.

BankWest will also become the presenting partner of the official "2008 Welcome Home Celebrations" following the conclusion of the Olympic Games.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and BankWest's partnership was announced in Western Australia at BankWest's new retail store in Fremantle.

To celebrate the AOC/BankWest partnership BankWest managing director Simon Walsh was joined at the Fremantle store by Olympian Eamon Sullivan and the Australian hockey team members Mark Knowles, Stephen Lambert, Angie Lambert and Emily Halliday.

BankWest chief executive Ian Corfield said" "This is a fantastic opportunity to support a movement which resonates with every Australian and we are delighted that we have been chosen by the AOC as the Australian bank partner.

"Through innovation, dedication and hard work our athletes want to challenge and conquer their opponents on the world stage.

"We have similarly ambitious plans in the financial services sector so we think this is a great fit for us."

AOC president John Coates said BankWest's partnership will greatly assist the Australian Olympic team's medal claims at the Beijing, Vancouver and London Olympic Games.

He said: "The AOC is thrilled BankWest has committed to the Australian Team for the next three Olympic Games.

"The competition for medal success at the Olympic Games continues to intensify and the AOC is grateful to BankWest, and all our partners, for their support and their belief in the Olympic ideals and the Australian team.

"The AOC and the Australian Olympic team, like BankWest, is ambitious and focused on delivering the best possible results for the enjoyment of all Australians."

BankWest will leverage the partnership strongly in 2008 in much of its marketing activities, starting with prime time television advertising due to air in May, where it will use the Boxing Kangaroo as part of its 'Happy Banking' campaign.

Walsh said: "This is not only a very exciting partnership for us, but one that is highly visible and commercially significant.

"We intend to support and leverage it through integrated marketing and advertising that is commensurate with its high profile."