Keep Supporting “Giving is winning”

With less than two months to go until the London Games, the IOC is determined to boost the third "Giving is Winning" campaign, a joint IOC-United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) project. For the first campaign, in Athens in 2004, some 30,000 items were collected. Four years later, in Beijing in 2008, a total of 75,000 items of clothing were donated. The aim for the London Games is the 100,000 mark. To date, close to half the target has been reached. We thus continue to count on you to join us in this campaign providing clothing to people in need and giving them some hope for a better life. Every single item counts.

As the IOC President, Jacques Rogge, has said: "This campaign is an excellent example of how sport can bring joy to people living very difficult lives, as well as to people who give. Let's make a difference to the lives of thousands of men, women and children, just like sport has made a difference to our lives."

NOCs deeply involved
Many NOCs have already responded to the IOC appeal to take part, thus joining the family of donors from the Olympic Movement. Thus, for the second time, the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) is contributing to the "Giving is Winning" campaign. Some 770kg of sports apparel, donated by Singapore's national athletes, have been shipped to some 60,000 refugees from Bhutan in Nepal.

A symbolic ceremony was held on this occasion with the participation of athletes such as Gary Yeo, a silver medallist from the 2011 SEA Games. Ng Ser Miang, IOC Vice-President and SNOC Vice-President, said: "We hope that through this humanitarian effort, our national athletes are given an opportunity to share the Olympic spirit and warm the hearts of the refugees in Nepal." The German and Cypriot NOCs have been among the latest donors to "Giving is Winning". Their donations benefit refugees across the globe and make them feel that the outside world does still care about them.

IFs also support the campaign
Alongside the NOCs, the International Federations are also making their contribution to helping refugees worldwide. The International Swimming Federation, the International Football Association, the International Judo Federation and the International Volleyball Federation have distributed hundreds of items of sports equipments and outfits, as has the International Cycling Union (UCI). For UCI President, IOC member Pat McQuaid: "Cycling is a sport that people from all backgrounds can relate to. We have four disciplines on the Olympic programme, but at the other end of the spectrum we see people using bicycles as their main means of transport. By donating this clothing, the UCI hopes to contribute to improving the everyday lives of those in need".

Don't forget that Giving is Winning.

To find out more about the campaign and to make a donation, click on http://www.olympic.org/givingiswinning

For more information, please contact women's coats the IOC Media Relations Team.

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