McDonald's to Sponsor London Olympics: Good Business or Bad Message?
SodaHead Living
2012/05/02 21:00:00
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Less than three months to the London Olympics! We can't wait to see the tight, toned competitors showing off their unbelievable athletic skill. And somehow, this message of health and fitness is sponsored by ... McDonald's? Yup! The fast-food chain is a major sponsor for the London Olympics, to the dismay of a British doctors' group, The Associated Press reports.
McDonald's will be the only restaurant allowed to sell brand-name food at the games and there will also be a separate McDonald's within the athletes' village -- in addition to three others at the Olympic Park (one of which will be McDonald's largest franchise in the world), the AP reports.
To make matters worse, Coca-Cola has the exclusive right to sell non-alcoholic drinks at Olympic venues, and Heineken has been named the games' official beer. "It's very sad that an event that celebrates the very best of athletic achievements should be sponsored by companies contributing to the obesity problem and unhealthy habits," said Terence Stephenson, a spokesman for the Academy of Royal Medical Colleges, according to the AP.
McDonald's isn't new to the Olympics -- the company has been an official Olympics sponsor since 1976. The chain says it plans to bring "high-quality British food" at the Games, yet Big Macs, fries and milkshakes will be served. With about one-quarter of Brits currently obese, do you think McDonald's makes an appropriate sponsor for the London Olympics?
To make matters worse, Coca-Cola has the exclusive right to sell non-alcoholic drinks at Olympic venues, and Heineken has been named the games' official beer. "It's very sad that an event that celebrates the very best of athletic achievements should be sponsored by companies contributing to the obesity problem and unhealthy habits," said Terence Stephenson, a spokesman for the Academy of Royal Medical Colleges, according to the AP.
McDonald's isn't new to the Olympics -- the company has been an official Olympics sponsor since 1976. The chain says it plans to bring "high-quality British food" at the Games, yet Big Macs, fries and milkshakes will be served. With about one-quarter of Brits currently obese, do you think McDonald's makes an appropriate sponsor for the London Olympics?
Top Opinion
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Jimbo 2012/05/02 23:08:07
I hate cigarettes, but I don't think the govt. has the right to tell them how or how not to advertise etc. It's called FREEDOM for a reason!
I agree that people should be held accountable. Of course. That's not why I dislike McDonalds.
I love how uptight Americans get over fast-food :P
Why,..because we are so God-Damn stupid to know what's good, and not good for us.
Let’s let somebody from the government tell us what to eat, maybe like that First Gorilla in the W.H.
It seems your old enought to know this from what I see as your listed age.
Though McDonald's has made an effort to make their menu very varietal.. And it is. Just because they're known for their crap food doesn't mean you have to get it when you go there, they do have salads and things too.
Not bad either, their salads.
I don't like having a hypocritical first lady who wants to tell people what a company that has been in business for many years can serve or what people can eat. All the whilewhile ignoring the junk people can buy with food stamps.
The Obesity issue doesn't stem from Fast food. It's lazy parenting and lack of exercise.
Come one what else has came along the last 20 years when obesity became more common. My husband eats fast food for lunch Monday - Friday, but is active so at 6'6 he weighs 190....
We got off the tube at the Tower of London stop and coming off the stairs the first thing I saw was a McDonald's, followed by a Kentucky Fried Chicken and I forget the 3d place.
That said, now I must object to a common business practice regarding the Olympics. That is the gouging of the fans when they double and triple their prices.