McDonald’s Responds to Criticism of Olympic Commercial
An Olympic gold medalist has spoken out about McDonald’s Olympic themed commercials that urge consumers to "eat like Olympians".
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Garrett Weber-Gale said on his blog, Food & Water With Garrett Weber-Gale, that Olympians eat McDonald’s during the Games, but rarely eat it any other time.
Weber-Gale, who promotes healthy eating on his website, wrote on his blog, "In my experience eating in the dining hall at the Beijing Olympics, I’ve seen first hand that many athletes do in fact eat McDonalds. Some even eat it right before their events."
The Team USA athlete then wrote, "On the other hand most Olympic athletes do not eat at McDonalds during their competition schedule. In fact may athletes turn their nose up at the thought of it."
"Olympians have been eating our quality food for more than 30 years, many before their competitions and others afterward to celebrate their wins with us," McDonald's said in a statement.
"What we know is that athletes tell us they love our food and that they’re glad to have our restaurants in the Olympic Village."
McDonald’s Olympic themed commercials used the slogan, "now you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to eat like one."
Weber-Gale wrote that McDonald’s should be ashamed because of "the negative effect they’re having on society."
"Is it socially responsible to link healthy Olympic athletes to unhealthy, yet tasty food…and imply that by eating it you too can be like an Olympian," Weber-Gale wrote.
"Obesity in America continues to break historic records. Companies like McDonalds continue to try and align themselves with health through special meal programs, and commercials like the one discussed here."
"McDonald’s offers a variety of great-tasting, quality food choices in a number of serving sizes to fit many nutritional needs," McDonald's said in the statement.
"Our menu can be part of anyone’s diet, including athletes, using the nutrition principles of balance, variety and moderation."
McDonald's is a sponsor of Team USA. The sponsor complained to the USOC about "ambush marketing tactics" from local companies in the U.S., including Subway, ahead of the Vancouver Games.
Omega’s Olympic Ad
TOP Sponsor Omega featured a full page post-Olympic ad in The New York Times, Wed., March 17.
The ad states, "OMEGA is proud to acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of the medal winners at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Games. For 17 days in February they broke records, exceeded limits and mesmerized a global audience."
It went on to say, "To record their achievements for future generations, there were also some remarkable performers in the background: our colleagues from OMEGA Timing."
Omega, the time piece and scoring systems provider for the Games, debuted new technology during the Vancouver Games.
Among the technologyintroduced was its new Electronic Start System that replaced the starting pistol with a device that simultaneously played a start sound, flashed a light and started the timing device.
Omega also introduced a high-definition judges scoringsystem and new timekeeping technology.
The TOP Sponsor is using thesame technology for the Paralympics, March 12-21.
The company recently invited Philip Craven, the President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to visit its Paralympic Countdown Clock and the Olympic Games Boutique in Vancouver.
Omega gave Craven a commemorative Olympic Pin Set and an Omega Seamaster Vancouver 2010 Limited Edition watch.
London 2012 Signs on New Sponsor
Next will outfit Team GB and Paralympics GB for London 2012, as LOCOG has signed on the company as its 27th domestic sponsor.
The company has signed on as the Official Clothing and Homeware Supplier for London 2012.
Next, a UK based retailer of clothing, footwear, accessories and home products, also supply uniforms for technical officials and LOCOG’s reception staff.
"As the official clothing and homeware licensee, we look forward to providing our customers with exclusive access to a range of clothing and homeware that reflects the excitement and atmosphere of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games," Christos Angelides, Executive Director of Next Plc, said.
Next also will provide furnishings and linen for the Olympic Village.
Panasonic Partners With London 2012
TOP Sponsor Panasonic has partnered with LOCOG for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad short film competition, Film Nation: Shorts.
The video and camera provider for the Olympics will be the presenting partner for the competition and provide equipment and expertise for training sessions.
The short film competition targets young people and will showcase their film-making talent.
"These youngsters will be able to use the latest Panasonic consumer and broadcast camcorders to create a broad range of films, including Olympic-inspired ones, in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games," Panasonic UK Advertising and Sponsorship Manager, David Booney said.
Film Nation: Shorts will also include workshops and classes.
Coke and Commonwealth Games
Coca-Cola India will be the official beverage for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Coca-Cola India’s products will be sold and served during the Games.
Coca-Cola was also the official beverage at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
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With reporting from Isia Reaves
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