McDonald’s is gearing up to send kids from across the globe to the Olympic Games.
Under McDonald’s Champion Kids program, which kicks off Aug. 9, children will have a chance to see the 2008 Olympic Games in Bejing, meet athletes, visit local sights and interact with others across the world.
Some 300 kids will be chosen from a variety of countries, McDonald’s said.
McDonald’s global ambassador, six-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, will make an appearance at the kick off event in Beijing. Also in attendance will be Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, Wang Wei, executive vice president of the Beijing Organization Committee of Olympic Games and other local dignitaries.
“With the McDonald’s Champion Kids program, we are making a significant investment to give hundreds of children the experience of a lifetime,” said Mary Dillon, McDonald’s global chief marketing officer, in a statement. “These kids will reach out to thousands more, connecting with their worldwide peers to communicate the sights and sounds of the Olympic Games and the fascinating culture of China.
McDonald’s also plans to build four restaurants in Beijing including one in Athlete’s Village to feed athletes, spectators and media. Under the sponsorship, McDonald’s is the only branded restaurant in charge of feeding the athletes, the company said. The company will also bring 1,200 employees from its stores in China and other countries to experience the Games and work in its restaurants there.
Local promotions in various countries to support the sponsorship are in development.
McDonald’s has been an official sponsor of the Olympic Games since 1976. The Beijing Games mark the company’s sixth as a worldwide partner and its seventh as the official restaurant of the Games. McDonald’s sponsorship continues through the 2012 Game in London, the company said.
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