Olympic chief publicly backs Games sponsors Coca-Cola and McDonald's
Tuesday 10 July 2012
Related articles
The International Olympic Committee issued public backing of its Games sponsors Coca-Cola and McDonald's today, a day after President Jacques Rogge was quoted as saying there was a "question mark" over their sponsorship due to obesity concerns.
"I would like to clarify comments attributed to me in several media reports regarding Coca-Cola's and McDonald's Olympic sponsorship," said Rogge in a statement mailed to Reuters.
"The IOC hugely values the long-term sponsorship and support of both McDonald's and Coca-Cola. Through the years we have personally witnessed the positive impact that they make as TOP sponsors," said the IOC president.
On Monday Rogge had been quoted in several British media as saying there had been a "question mark" over the sponsorship of the Olympics by McDonald's and Coca-Cola, driven by global obesity concerns.
His comments come less than three weeks before the start of the London Olympics on July 27.
"For those companies, we've said to them: 'Listen, there is an issue in terms of the growing trend on obesity, what are you going to do about that?'" he was quoted by several media on Monday as saying.
The IOC has regularly had to answer questions regarding the sponsor agreements with the two food and beverage companies for the world's biggest mutli-sports event and whether their association with the Olympics, promoting a healthy lifestyle, was compatible.
On Tuesday Rogge said the IOC was proud to be associated with them.
"Both companies bring forward the spirit of the Olympic Games through creative and engaging global programs that promote physical activity and the values that the Olympic Games are all about."
"We are proud to work with both Coca-Cola and McDonald's, with whom we have long term agreements in place through 2020."
McDonald's, whose four restaurants in London's Olympic Park include its biggest in the world, extended its 36-year backing of the Games in January by signing up as sponsor for another eight years.
Soft drinks company Coca-Cola has been sponsoring the Olympics since 1928 and also has a deal to 2020.
Reuters
Sport blogs
iBet: A tight game between Northampton and Bradford
A tight game could be in prospect here. Northampton have been keeping things very tight of late and ...
by Gareth Purnell
18 May 2013 02:01 AM
On The Road at the Giro d’Italia: Feeling ill and racing in the rain must be pretty grim
I can’t ever watch games of football or rugby without wistfully wondering what it must be like to be...
by Martin Ayres
16 May 2013 05:10 PM
PSG and the French league must be more proactive in dealing with hooliganism
Since PSG’s exit to Barcelona in the Uefa Champions League quarter-final in April, PSG have been sur...
by Matthew Riding
15 May 2013 02:37 PM
-
Tears and cheers as David Beckham ends glittering career after helping PSG to final win
-
England manager Roy Hodgson attacks Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham over tours
-
Video: Emotional David Beckham leaves the pitch for 'the last time'
-
Another nail-biting finish for unlucky Tottenham as Arsenal look to secure Champions League place on last day
-
Boxing: Carl Froch slams fellow Brits for sparring with Mikkel Kessler
- 1 Heading for America? Prepare for the longest US immigration queues ever
- 2 Boxing: Carl Froch slams fellow Brits for sparring with Mikkel Kessler
- 3 You thought Ryanair's attendants had it bad? Wait 'til you hear about their pilots
- 4 David Cameron goes to war with press over 'swivel-eyed loons' slur
- 5 It’s official: thanks to Stephen Hawking's Israel boycott, anti-Semitism is no more
Get your summer started with British Military Fitness
BMF is the UK’s biggest and best loved outdoor fitness classes
Visit York
Find out what The Independent's resident travel expert has to say about one of the most beautiful small cities in the world
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
Day In a Page
The price of pacifism
Jason Isaacs: Groupies, theatre bores and James Bond
Sealand: 'Micronation' or illegal fortress?
Legend of James Hunt has set Hollywood hearts racing
Macklemore: 'I don't have moderation'
Don't be shy: Bill Granger's Sri Lankan recipes
Gordon Ramsay's worst nightmare: A restaurant he cannot save




Comments