Aussies land Beijing Olympics

BHP Billiton, the world’s largest diversified resources company, completed the deal with BOCOG at a signing ceremony attended by senior officials from BOCOG and BHP Billiton.

In line with the sponsorship agreement, BHP Billiton will provide financial support to the Beijing Olympic Games and the Beijing Paralympic Games as well as the raw materials for the Olympic medals and the Paralympic medals.

"The Olympic medals are the symbols of honour and success, the vehicles of the Olympic motto and spirit as well as an important part of the Olympic image and look," said Wang Wei, BOCOG’s executive vice-president and secretary general.

"We believe that with the strong support of BHP Billiton, the Beijing Games’ need of diversified minerals will be fully met."

"The 2008 Olympic Games will showcase to the world China’s commitment to excellence and its plan for economic growth and prosperity; it is an honour for BHP Billiton to participate in this defining opportunity for China on the world stage," said Chip Goodyear, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Billiton.

Goodyear said BHP Billiton’s sponsorship of the 2008 Games reflected the company’s commitment to the ideals embodied in the Olympic spirit and its long-term relationship with China.

"We are delighted to demonstrate our continued commitment to China and to the Olympic Movement by sponsoring the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the 2008 Paralympic Games," he said

BHP Billiton will develop a comprehensive marketing programme to further enhance the value of the sponsorship and to promote its support for the Olympic Games and BOCOG.