OAK BROOK, Ill. — With six months to go until the Olympic Games in Beijing, McDonald's plans as official restaurant of the games are under way. Global programs include:
- New restaurants to feed the athletes, media and spectators: Construction has begun on the first of four official McDonald's Olympic restaurants in Beijing: one in the Olympic Village to serve athletes from around the world, one at the Main Press Center for the more than 20,000 media expected on site and two for the spectators in the main activity area, the Olympic Green. McDonald's restaurants in the Olympic Village and the Main Press Center will feature a McCafé, offering espresso-based coffees and made-to-order specialty drinks.
- McDonald's Olympic champion crew: Countries around the world have selected 1,300 of McDonald's restaurant employees to serve the world's athletes, coaches, officials, media and spectators. A Big Mac building competition will take place where McDonald's will award the first "medals" of the Games. The crew will be able to share their experiences with family and friends through the Olympic Champion Crew blog, which debuted during the Torino Games. For the first-time, crew will also be able to send video messages to co-workers back home via a special Crew Cam.
- McDonald's Champion Kids: The newest addition to McDonald's Olympic sponsorship, this program will give up to 300 children from around the world the opportunity to experience the Olympic Games firsthand, meet athletes, visit cultural sights and interact with other kids from across the globe. A select number of kids will share their stories and experiences with their communities and hometown news outlets. McDonald's markets are in the process of selecting their local participants.
- Bringing the games to life for customers: McDonald is creating a new global television commercial that celebrates the spirit of the Olympic Movement. In addition, McDonald's markets around the world will create special promotions and advertising to connect with their customers.
- Giving back: As part of McDonald's tradition of giving back to the host country, the company will make a contribution to Beijing through Ronald McDonald House Charities.
