GlaxoSmithKline Signs Tier III Sponsorship with London 2012
GlaxoSmithKline will be the Official Laboratory Services Provider for the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the 2010 games, becoming LOCOG's 25th sponsor. The tier three sponsorship will provide facilities and equipment for a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited satellite laboratory at the Games.
The laboratory, to be based at one of GSK's UK research and development sites, will be independently run by staff from King's College London's Drug Control Centre, who will analyse thousands of samples during the two Games.
London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe commented, “Doping control is a requirement of any Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. We have taken a partnership approach to delivering it for London 2012 and I’m thrilled that GlaxoSmithKline is on board. Its involvement, working with the King’s College experts will see world class facilities available for an independently run anti-doping operation throughout the Games.”
"The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games provide GSK with a huge opportunity to be part of the delivery of an outstanding world event,” said Andrew Witty, CEO of GlaxoSmithKline. “I'm delighted we've put this alliance with King’s College London together to ensure that excellent science can play a key role in ensuring the Games are conducted to the highest ethical standards and that athletes can lead healthier lives. The Olympic and Paralympic ideals of people striving to achieve their best are core to those of GSK, as we share those values of excellence. There is great alignment in these missions and I look forward to our people making a significant contribution to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games."
According to morethanthegames.co.uk, an estimated 4,500 tests were taken during the Beijing Olympics with a further 948 samples re-tested by the IOC after the Games.
LOCOG has seven domestic Tier One Partners - adidas, BMW, BP, British Airways, BT, EDF and Lloyds TSB. There are six domestic Tier Two Supporters – Adecco, Cadbury, Cisco, Deloitte, Thomas Cook and UPS. There are eleven domestic Tier Three Suppliers and Providers – Airwave, Atkins, Boston Consulting Group, Crystal CG, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, Holiday Inn, McCann Worldgroup, The Nielsen Company, Populous, Ticketmaster and Trident. The Worldwide Olympic Partners signed up for London 2012 are Coca-Cola, Acer, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa.
