Olympic Day Run 2007
More than 3,400 Singaporeans joined national Olympic athletes from Team Singapore in celebrating the spirit of the Olympic Games at Olympic Day Run 2007. The annual event, celebrated in over 100 countries across the globe, was kicked off with an Olympic Torch relay and takes on even greater significance this year as we count down to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Fittingly held at the Chinese Gardens, the event was jointly organized by the Singapore National Olympic Council (“SNOC") and exclusive worldwide sponsor, McDonald’s. This is the fifth consecutive year that McDonald’s has partnered with SNOC in bringing the Olympic Day Run to Singapore, and the 688-member strong McDonald’s contingent was its highest ever in the history of the event. McDonald’s today announced details of its Olympic Champion Crew program, which will give five lucky McDonald’s Crew from Singapore the opportunity to serve as ambassadors at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. They will join over 200 of their colleagues from around the world in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, proudly serving the world’s best athletes, coaches, officials and media. Mr Kenneth Chan, Managing Director, McDonald’s Restaurants Singapore, said: “The Olympic Champion Crew programme is a huge privilege that McDonald’s Crew from around the world look forward to every four years. Only the best of the best are picked to serve as McDonald’s brand ambassadors at the Olympic Village, where they will serve some of our world-famous tastes to the Olympic Athletes. The Olympic Spirit is something that inspires us all at McDonald’s, and we are proud to be working with the SNOC in bringing the Olympic Day Run to Singapore for a fifth consecutive year." Guest of Honour at the event was Mr Teo Ser Luck, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sport who kindly agreed to flag off the morning run. The run kicked off with a torch relay, with Ronald McDonald handing an Olympic Torch to Mr Teo, who then passed it on to Asian Games Gold Medalist and Sportsman of the Year 2007, Remy Ong. The torch was then passed on to a host of other notable Singapore Olympians and sports personalities who took part. Also present at the run were Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist and Sportswoman of the Year 2004, 2005, 2006, Li Jiawei; SEA Games Gold Medalist and Sportsman of the Year 2004, James Wong; the Singapore National Olympic table tennis team and the men’s and women’s Olympic Games badminton doubles teams. Other highlights of this year’s event included activities for the children such as a Jigsaw Puzzle and On-the-Spot Art competition, as well as interactive Dancesport, Karate, Silat and Wushu demonstrations that even had the audience joining in! McDonald’s Chief Happiness Officer and Balanced Active Lifestyle Ambassador Ronald McDonald was also on hand, sharing fun fitness tips through an entertaining dance segment. About the Olympic Day The plans for this year’s edition are more exciting than ever. For example: The Canadian NOC has set up a dedicated website where you can vote for Canada’s greatest Olympic moment. And the Chinese Olympic Committee expects more than 3,000 people of all age groups to participate in a 1.5km fun run in Beijing, the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games. As IOC President Jacques Rogge states in his message to the NOCs: “In 2007, more than ever, sport has to be a social movement which can offer all generations, but especially young people, the chance to lead not just a healthier, more balanced life, but a better life with more meaning to it. And the Olympic Day Run is an excellent way of achieving this." About McDonald’s Involvement In the Olympics |
