IOC to Donate $1 Million to Chinese Earthquake Relief Efforts

BEIJING,
May 13: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has pledged RMB 6.9 million
($1 million) in financial support for relief and recovery efforts in regions
affected by the recent earthquake in China.

The
donation will be channeled through BOCOG, the Beijing Organizing Committee for
the 2008 Olympic Games, who will distribute support to the appropriate relief
organizations.

"I
feel deeply for those affected and join in solidarity with the people of
China," said IOC’s president, Jacques Rogge. "This appears to be a
major disaster, the scale of which is only just becoming apparent. We send our
deepest felt condolences to the victims and their families."

—By
Irene Lew