McDonald’s, Olympic Games Part Ways

After 41 years of sponsorship of what is often regarded as the ‘Biggest Show on Earth’, the Olympic Games, fast food giants, McDonald’s has pulled out.

In a joint announcement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the fast-food chain explained that it’s part of an overall reevaluation of itself.

“As part of our global growth plan, we are reconsidering all aspects of our business and have made this decision in cooperation with the IOC to focus on different priorities,” said McDonald’s global chief marketing officer Silvia Lagnado.

The end is effective immediately and McDonald’s is no longer listed on the IOC Web site as a sponsor.

The company’s first association with the Olympics was in 1958 at the Grenoble Winter Games when it reportedly airlifted hamburgers to some athletes.

But it only became an official sponsors at the 1976 Montreal Olympics which African countries as well as some from Asia pulled out just before the opening ceremony.

“We have mutually agreed with McDonald’s to part ways. I would like to thank our friends at McDonald’s on behalf of the IOC for the commitment the company has shown to the Olympic Movement over many decades,” said Timo Lumme, managing director of IOC’s television and marketing service.