[BEIJING, June 26, 2009] Recognized as Sports World Oscars, the Laureus World Sports Award which is supported by Mercedes-Benz, held its grand award ceremony in General Administration of Sports of China today. The Chinese Olympic Team has been honored with the prestigious title of Laureus World Team of the Year for scoring record-breaking achievements at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games by clinching the top spot in the gold medal tally and second place in the overall medal standing. Six world champions, including Guo Jingjing, Yangwei and Zhang Yining, attended the Award Ceremony on behalf of the Chinese Olympic Team.

As a dedicated global partner of Laureus over the past decade and bringing this Award into China, Mercedes-Benz has always been contributing to the flourishing sports scene in China. "We have witnessed the prosperous development of Chinese sports in recent years. Today, as the Chinese Olympic Team receives the Laureus World Team of the Year Award, it is clear that the competitiveness of Chinese athletes has garnered global recognition. Mercedes-Benz will continue to support development of Chinese sporting scene by relentlessly increasing the scope and depth of our contributions," said Mr. Klaus Maier, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd.

Laureus World Sports Academy Chairman Edwin Moses also gave high commendations to the China Olympic Team's achievements: "Beijing was one of the great Olympic Games. The facilities were superb and the Games were full of remarkable sporting exploits. On the track, in the pool, in the sports halls, there was a constant stream of unforgettable historic moments. The most amazing thing was the passion and the determination of the Chinese athletes who produced so many epic performances, not just in the sports in which we knew they were good, but in others where China was not expected to do so well. I congratulate the entire Chinese Olympic Team-they are worthy winners of this Award."

As its global partner, Mercedes-Benz not only supports the Laureus World Sports Awards, but is also a founding partner of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation -- which promotes the development of global sports – making it a significant part of Mercedes-Benz fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities. Mercedes-Benz brought this Foundation to China in 2002 and also initiated China's Top 10 Laureus Champions Award, which has now risen to become the highest honor in the Chinese sports world. Additionally, the three-pointed star also launched a charity program to empower disabled Chinese athletes. All these initiatives have helped to better promote and develop sports in China, enhance the athletic exchange and communication between China and the rest of the world, and increase the positive influence that sporting spirit brings to the society.

Mercedes-Benz's contributions to sporting development and diversity in China extend far beyond this partnership with Laureus. The automaker has also been active in bringing top international events to China, such as the Tennis Masters Cup and F1 Grand Prix -- allowing the public to experience world-class sporting action at their doorstep. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz is also dedicated to the future advancement of Chinese sports scene, with a special focus on the cultivation of young athletes. Last year, Mercedes-Benz became the Premier Corporate Partner of the China National Tennis Team, and co-founded the "Swing for Stars" youth tennis training program which provides international standards training setting and opportunities to high-potential youths. Evidently, Mercedes-Benz's passion for sports in China is demonstrated by its unwavering commitment and dedication in promoting the winning sporting spirit.