Singapore, July 12, 2008 Ms. Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development & Ministry of Education Flags Off Olympic Day Run

More than 3,500 Singaporeans, the biggest turnout so far, participated in the 2008 Olympic Day Run. The Olympic Day Run began in 1987 to commemorate the foundation of the International Olympic Committee on June 23, 1894 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin and is a global event that celebrates the spirit of the Olympic Games and encourages people of all athletic abilities to get active and support the Olympic Movement. For the sixth year as a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Games, McDonald’s supported the Singapore National Olympic Council in co-organising the Olympic Day Run.

The 3-km Olympic Day Run at the West Coast Park this morning was flagged off by Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Education. Ms Grace Fu joined children from over 60 primary and secondary schools, Team Singapore athletes and a 500-strong McDonald’s contingent in the Run.

“The Olympic Games this year is so close to our hearts because it is taking place for the first time in our region. The Run this morning is thus symbolic because 3,500 Singaporeans from all walks of life celebrated and heeded the call to actively participate in sports and to uphold the ideals of the Olympic Movement," said Mr Chris Chan, Secretary General, Singapore National Olympic Council.

Mr Ng Ser Miang, International Olympic Committee, Board Member, also conveyed a message from Mr Jacques Rogge, President, International Olympic Committee, highlighting the Olympic Day Run as a great moment in sports, solidarity and celebration.

Amidst the fanfare this morning, five McDonald’s Olympic Champion Crew and three McDonald’s Champion Kids also made their mark for the day. They took their honoured positions alongside Ms Grace Fu during the flag-off, with the Olympic Champion Crew hoisting the Olympic-coloured flags.

The McDonald’s Olympic Champion Crew are heading to Beijing to serve the world’s best athletes at the four McDonald’s Olympic venue restaurants, while the McDonald’s Champion Kids will be there as ‘Young Journalists’ to share their Olympic experiences through news reports with Singaporeans back home.

“McDonald’s has been a proud sponsor of the Olympic Movement for 40 years. We believe in the ideals of the Games and its unique ability to engage people in a way that is constructive, positive and inspirational. McDonald’s is proud to partner the Singapore National Olympic Council once again in the Olympic Day Run, and to bring the community together to celebrate the Olympic Spirit", said Mr Kenneth Chan, Managing Director, McDonald’s Restaurants.

The fun-filled morning was also lined-up with exciting activities such as Broadway and Wushu performances, cheerleading, music and on-the-spot art competition, all in the name of supporting the values and ideals of the Olympic Movement, which includes teamwork, participation and joy.

About McDonald’s Olympic Partnership
McDonald’s became an Official Sponsor of the Olympic Games in 1976 and has a long-standing commitment to the Olympic Movement. At the 1968 Olympic Winter Games, McDonald’s airlifted hamburgers to U.S. athletes competing in Grenoble, France, after they reported being homesick for McDonald’s food. Since then, the company has served its menu of choice and variety to millions of athletes, coaches, their families and fans. The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games mark McDonald’s sixth Olympic Games as a Worldwide Partner and seventh as the Official Restaurant of the Olympic Games. McDonald’s current sponsorship will continue through the 2012 Games in London.