Dow to remain sponsor of London Olympic Games, says IOC

Unfazed by strong protests in India, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday made it clear that Dow Chemicals will remain a sponsor of the London Olympics, insisting the company had no role in the Bhopal gas tragedy. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has repeatedly expressed opposition to Dow, a sponsor for the London Games, because of its ownership of the former Union Carbide, responsible for the worst industrial disaster in India.

IOA had urged IOC and the London Games Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) to withdraw Dow as sponsors. However, in a letter to IOA, IOC on Thursday said its relationship with Dow Chemicals is well over 30 years and they were aware of the Bhopal tragedy when discussing the partnership with Dow.

 

In its letter to IOA acting president Vijay Kumar Malhotra, IOC chief Jacques Rogge said, "IOC recognises that the Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984 was a horrific event for India and the world. The Olympic Movement sympathises with the grief of the victims' families and regrets the ongoing suffering people face in the region."

"IOC and LOCOG were aware of the Bhopal tragedy when discussing the partnership with Dow, which had no connection with the Bhopal tragedy. Dow did not have any ownership stake in Union Carbide until 16 years after the accident and 12 years after the $470 million compensation agreement was approved by the Indian Supreme Court," he said.

"The court has upheld this agreement twice since then, in 1991 and 2007. We understand that this is being reviewed yet a third time by the India Supreme Court and we are aware of Dow's position in this mater, and of the sensitivities of all parties."