The Marketing Program for the 2008 Olympic Games was officially
launched on Monday by the Beijing
Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad
(BOCOG).
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge
and Liu Qi, the BOCOG president, use an golden key to unlock a door
symbolizing the Beijing 2008 marketing opportunities for Chinese
and international companies. The marketing launch ceremony,
attended by more than 600 business leaders, officials, potential
sponsors and media, was staged to outline the benefits of Olympic
sponsorship.
"We launch the marketing program in a country of over 1.3
billion inhabitants. We are literally and symbolically opening the
door to the future." said Rogge, "The purpose of our marketing
program is to help fund the costs of the Games and support the
development of Olympic sports and athletes around the globe."
Later this year, BOCOG will launch sponsorship programs, which
include Beijing 2008 Partner, Beijing 2008 Sponsor and Beijing 2008
Supplier, according to the organizers.
BOCOG will also manage licensing programs that will authorize
companies to produce and sell products with the official Olympic
logo.
"We expect the marketing partnership between the business
community and the Olympic Movement to reach new heights and
generate a new level of benefits." said Gerhard Heiberg, the
chairman of IOC marketing commission, "Through their association
with the Olympic Games, companies are able to build competitive
dominance."
Following the launch, BOCOG will fully outspread its efforts to
provide sponsors with quality service.
"Olympic Marketing will not only provide sufficient financing
for the Games, but also offers experience for ensuring an ideal
development for all industries." said Yuan Weimin, chairman of
Chinese Olympic Committee and president of the State Sports
Administration of China.
(Xinhua News Agency September 1, 2003)