Singapore, March 13, 2008 Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go behind the scenes at the Olympic Games as Young Journalists.

March 13, 2008 — When does an Olympic dream become a reality? For three Singaporean children, they will live their Olympic dream at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games this year. For the first time, McDonald’s is launching a global programme to send children from all over the world as McDonald’s Champion Kids to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Enjoying privileged access and a chance to meet world-class Olympic athletes, McDonald’s Champion Kids will get to experience first-hand the exhilaration of the Olympic Games and share their experiences with the rest of Singapore as our very own Young Journalists.

 “At McDonald’s, we share the Olympic Dream and the Olympic values of teamwork, pride and the journey towards personal excellence. We are thrilled to make the Olympic Dream come true for three McDonald’s Champion Kids who will represent Singapore at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. This is in line with our commitment to promote children’s well-being and to encourage children to take an active interest in sports," said Ms Shirley Foenander, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, McDonald’s Restaurants.

Contest Mechanics

The contest kicks off on Friday, March 14, 2008 and is open to Singaporeans and permanent residents between the ages of 7 and 12. Aspiring Champion Kids will need to submit an entry form together with a 4R full-colour photo depicting “My Olympic Moment", as well as a short entry explaining why they should be chosen as a McDonald’s Champion Kid. Entry forms will be available from all McDonald’s restaurants island-wide, in The Straits Times and at MediaCorp’s reception.

Applications close on April 10, 2008 and a panel of judges comprising Singapore National Olympic Committee (SNOC), The Straits Times, MediaCorp TV and McDonald’s will select 10 finalists. These finalists will be profiled on TV and print media in the month of May, and three winners will then be selected by a combination of SMS votes from the public and votes from the judges.

The 3 McDonald’s Champion Kid winners will receive media training in print and broadcast journalism at special media camps organised by SPH and MediaCorp TV - to prepare them for sharing their Olympic experiences with the rest of the nation.

Olympic Programme

The McDonald’s Champion Kids from Singapore will be part of the first wave of Champion Kids from around the world to herald the start of the Olympic Games. Arriving in Beijing on August 7, the McDonald’s Champion Kids will be treated to an Olympic experience like no other. Highlights of the programme include the opportunity to meet Olympic athletes as well as entry to the Olympic Badminton event on August 9.

The Champion Kids will also get their chance to be Young Journalists, reporting back from Beijing on their personal experiences at the Games.

McDonald’s Olympic Partnership
McDonald’s support of the Olympic Dream began in 1968 when it airlifted hamburgers to US athletes at the Olympic Games who were homesick for their favourite food. At the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, McDonald’s will be feeding the athletes as the Official Restaurant, with a total of four restaurants on the Olympic Green and two within the Athletes Village. Based on past Olympics, athletes are expected to consume around 25% of their meals in McDonald’s restaurants.

Olympic Champion Crew
For the first time, McDonald’s Singapore is also sending five crew members to the Olympic Games as Olympic Champion Crew. Representing the “best of the best" from all over the world, the Crew will be rewarded with an unforgettable Olympic experience, serving world-class athletes at the Olympic Village.