July 10, 2001 — Thanks to Don Russel, ‘Joe Sixpack’ to readers of the Philadelphia Daily News, for pointing us to some interesting news from the China Daily. According to a story datelined July 3, 2001, Budweiser has been named the official beer of the Chinese Olympic Team for 2004 and the exclusive beer sponsor of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) from 2001 to 2004.
“Budweiser has been supporting Chinese sports team and events in China for a long time and we are pleased to have Budweiser on board again for the 2004 Olympics,” said Li Furong, vice-minister of the State Sports General Administration of China. 2004 will mark the third time Bud has been named the official beer of the Chinese team, after 1996 in Atlanta and 2000 in Sydney.
“We hope that we can be more helpful if Beijing wins the bid to host the 2008 Olympics,” said Philips Davis, chairman of Budweiser Wuhan International Brewing Company Ltd. “Actually not only do I hope that Beijing wins the bid, but also that China walks away with the most medals.”