The children will have the chance to see the Games, meet Olympic athletes, visit cultural sights and interact with kids from across the globe.
"With the McDonald's Champion Kids programme, 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. "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. It's another example of our commitment to the enrichment of children."
Six-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps is serving as McDonald's Global Ambassador for the programme. Phelps was joined by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge, Executive Vice President of the Beijing Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG) Wang Wei, People's Republic of China Olympic gold medalist and McDonald's Champion Kids Ambassador in China Guo Jingjing, and other local dignitaries, at the launch event on 9 August.
"McDonald's is providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for children around the world," said Phelps. "For the kids to experience China and the world's greatest sporting event at one time is simply incredible."
"McDonald's unique Champion Kids programme mirrors the passion we have for bringing together youth from around the world, connecting cultures and communities as only the Olympic Movement can," said IOC President Jacques Rogge.
In addition to the McDonald's Champion Kids programme, the company will activate its Olympic Games plan, which includes:
McDonald's became an official sponsor of the Olympic Games in 1976. As a leading global foodservice retailer, the company has more than 30,000 local restaurants in 118 countries; with approximately 70% of the franchises owned and operated by independent local men and women.
For more information, visit: www.mcdonalds.com
Source: eMediaWire.com