NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson today announced that the Company and its subsidiaries have made a multi-national commitment to the Olympic Movement and have become an Official Partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Official Health Care Products Sponsor of the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games, and the Official Health Care Products Partner of the United States Olympic Committee. Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries will also become the Official Health Care Products Partner of the National Olympic Teams of more than 20 additional countries around the world.
"This is an historic day for Johnson & Johnson as we make an extensive, company-wide commitment to the Olympic Games," said William C. Weldon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Johnson & Johnson. "We are excited about the opportunity to deepen our strong, established ties in China, Italy, throughout Europe and the United States and around the world, through our businesses in consumer products, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices and diagnostics. And we are honored to provide enhanced health education, services and care through this partnership."
In becoming the Official Partner of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad (BOCOG), Johnson & Johnson reaffirms its long-term commitment to China and hopes to contribute to the success of the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games through its health care experience. The Company's subsidiaries in China work with partners like the Chinese Ministry of Health as they seek to increase access to quality health care, enhance medical facilities, train additional health professionals, and heighten awareness of important health care issues across China.
We are glad to see Johnson & Johnson participating in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games as an official partner," said Wang Wei, Executive Vice President, BOCOG, at the signing ceremony. "We believe that through the partnership, Johnson & Johnson will not only further consolidate the material foundation for a successful Beijing Olympic Games, but will also create larger room for Johnson & Johnson's development in China," he added.
In addition to its ongoing activities in China, Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries also become the official Health Care Products Sponsor of the XX Olympic Winter Games Torino 2006 in Italy. Over the next seven months, the Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries plan to conduct internal and external marketing programs to highlight the association with the Olympic Games across Europe and in Italy.
"We are so proud to welcome a well respected, global health care company like Johnson & Johnson to the Olympic Family and TOROC," said Valentino Castellani, President, Torino Organizing Committee for the 2006 Olympic Winter Games (TOROC). "We look forward to partnering with them for a successful Torino Games in February."
Building on previous brand-specific partnerships with the United States Olympic Committee, Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries now become the official Health Care Products Partner of the USOC, which will allow the company to utilize the U.S. Olympic marks in all marketing and advertising activities to support Team USA's efforts at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games and the 2008 Olympic Games.
"Johnson & Johnson is recognized worldwide for its excellence, uncompromising product quality and leadership, and the United States Olympic Committee is pleased the company has associated itself with the Olympic Movement in such a significant way," said USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr. "The USOC's relationship with Johnson & Johnson began on a smaller level prior to the Athens Olympic Games, and we are delighted the company's positive experience led to an expanded relationship. We are proud to welcome Johnson & Johnson to the list of corporate partners who believe in and support the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams."
The company, through its subsidiaries, will also become the Official Health Care Products Partner of more than 20 additional countries' National Olympic Teams. Johnson & Johnson companies will work with the local National Olympic Committees to support the athletes and promote quality health care practices.
About Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson, through its operating companies, is the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products, as well as a provider of related services, for the consumer, pharmaceutical and medical devices and diagnostics markets. The more than 200 Johnson & Johnson operating companies employ approximately 111,000 men and women in 57 countries and sell products throughout the world.
SOURCE Johnson & Johnson