Olympic Sponsors

[maggiebee]

Received this today from 38 Degrees (condensed version)

The UK's winning Olympic bid included huge tax breaks for sponsors. As a result, massive multi-nationals like Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Acer, Visa, Panasonic, Samsung and Adidas stand to make a tax-free fortune.
The whole reason these gigantic companies are involved in the Olympics is for the image boost it’ll provide.

Personally think this is a disgrace, but have come to expect little else from this government. If you feel you would like to add your voice to the petition you can find out more at:

https://secure.38degr...k/olympic-tax-dodging

[237SJ]

That`s not any surprise though is it? Of course there`s something in it for sponsors. You sponsor an event and you get lots of advertising. That`s the way it works. It`s a shame there weren`t more UK companies in that list though.

[Zeuhl]

Sponsors financial support throughout the bid process and in the staging of the Games is what makes it all possible.

They are businesses not charities - they expect and are entitled to a payback.

I read yesterday that people in Redbridge are 'outraged' that Sir Martin Sorrell CEO of WPP is one of the torch bearers through their borough because 'they don't know who he is'.

Well for one thing, he has given free advice and support to the Olympic Organisers for years, including help with the bid in the first place. No doubt more of a contribution than any of Redbridge's residents.

[Dee Sa]

they said on the radio yesterday that you will only be able to buy McDonald's chips at the Olympics !!!!! the only concession will be the vendors of fish & chips they can sell their own chips but only if you buy the fish as well ! thank god I am not going.So much for free enterprise !

[boxtops]

You can only buy Heineken beer too, which I think is awful, not even a British brand.... they did say we would be able to Buy John Smith's and Woodpecker Cider too - but what's the matter with the British beers (even if Bass does belong to Coors these days)?