70IOC Marketing Report – Beijing 2008 Chapter FourSponsorship " Manulife has a long history of supporting grass roots community projects in the areas in which it operates. The Olympic programme has given these projects an invaluable additional impetus. For us, it was about using this unique event – and the essence of the Olympic spirit – to engage and motivate staff, customers and agents." Robert A Cook, General Manager, Asia, Manulife As the Life Insurance Partner of Beijing 2008, Manulife's Olympic programme stretched across Asia, bringing the Olympic spirit to people throughout the 10 Asian countries and territories in which it operates. That programme, entitled " Bringing Dreams to Life", focused on grass roots community initiatives in each of these territories that help improve the quality of life of local people and to provide them with the resources to help them achieve their dreams. Manulife " Olympic Games Smiles" Manulife's " Olympic Games Smiles" campaign aimed to improve the lives of underprivileged, sick and needy children throughout the Asia region. In China, for example, the programme has set up 100 libraries in schools in poorer parts of China. These libraries house over 46,000 books donated by staff, agents and customers. In the Philippines, Manulife has brought smiles to the faces of hundreds of special needs children with the appearance of the Beijing 2008 Olympic mascot Jingjing at local events. Meanwhile, in Japan, Manulife donated Olympic mascot dolls to sick children as part of its nationwide programme to improve facilities and playrooms for children in local hospitals. In many countries and territories, Manulife has been able to successfully bring the above elements of its programme together to demonstrate how sports can inspire and make a difference to the lives of young