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McDonald's outlines Sochi Olympics sponsorship plans

October 31, 2013

McDonald's began its 100-day countdown this week for the Sochi (Russia) 2014 Olympic Winter Games, and also released some information about its sponsorship plans.

As the Official Restaurant of the Olympic Games, McDonald's is building two 24-hour restaurants in the Athlete's Village and Main Media Center for athletes, officials, coaches and media. The units will feature a McCafé menu.

McDonald's will also have five permanent restaurants in Sochi and the surrounding region for residents and visitors during and after the Games.

For the first time, McDonald's will debut several menu items new to Russia including grilled chicken, frappes and smoothies. The brand's signatures, such as the Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets and fries, will also be available.

Playground to be dedicated to Sochi
Additionally, as part of its sponsorship and commitment to Sochi, McDonald's will donate a new children's playground. The playground is designed to meet the needs of children with disabilities.

McDonald's Champions of Play
McDonald's will also extend its Champions of Play initiative that was first introduced ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.

The company plans to bring together children from Russia and additional countries for the opportunity to experience the Games first hand. Many of the kids selected will act as correspondents while at the Games, reporting on their Olympic experience for their hometown press. They will also be able to attend Olympic events and meet athletes.

McDonald's Olympic Champion Crew
Finally, McDonald's onsite restaurants will be staffed during the Games by nearly 350 Russian Olympic "Champion Crew" members from across the country. These employees are selected based on their status as McDonald's All Stars or Employees of the Month at their hometown restaurants.

McDonald's Olympic Champion Crew has been part of McDonald's sponsorship activity since the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Sochi 2014 marks the 10th consecutive time that McDonald's has served as the Official Restaurant of the Olympic Games. McDonald's in Russia includes more than 380 restaurants in 112 cities.

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