The Green Party is questioning about the use of McDonald’s as a major sponsor of the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The party is asking how the company’s presence equates with London 2012’s pledge to promote locally grown food at the 2012 Games.
London 2012 chairman Lord Coe and chief executive Paul Deighton is to be questioned when they update the London Assembly reports the Daily Mail.
The newspaper reports that the Green party wants McDonald’s to provide food that meets the promise of “supporting consumption of local, seasonal and organic produce, with reduced amount of animal protein and packaging”.
Jenny Jones, Green group leader said, “while I appreciate London organizers are bound by the IOC deal, I really feel this is a big let-down. The Games are a showcase. People attending should be inspired to lead healthier lives, not sit there shovelling junk food”.
A London 2012 spokesman reportedly said, “McDonald’s aren’t a domestic sponsor. The IOC has a select group of partners. It’s our duty as part of revenue raising to recruit national partners”.
Other major sponsors include Coca-Cola, Visa, GE, Panasonic and Samsung.
Meanwhile London 2012 organizers have announced that more than 100,000 people have signed up to be volunteers – 30,000 more than needed.
Lord Coe said, “we are determined that London 2012 will be a wonderful opportunity for tens of thousands of people to help deliver the most spectacular Games ever”.
He added, “I urge anyone who wants to be part of the best Games ever to step forward”.
Volunteers will be chosen by their skills and volunteering experience. They will help with first aid, security, press operations, assisting at venues, and with translation and work with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
