(27 February 2008 5:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Lenovo, the worldwide partner of the Olympic Torch Relay and one of the sponsors of the Olympic Games, has launched the first of three online auctions taking place in India as part of a global online Olympic philanthropic auction.

Just as the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay will travel around the world, a new Lenovo auction is beginning each week in a different country, as a countdown to the Olympic Games. The auction features limited-edition, notebook PCs inspired by the Lenovo-designed Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch.

Lenovo recently announced additional torch relay components with the same "Cloud of Promise" theme including the lantern that will carry the flame around the world and the cauldron lit at the end of the relay day, in each city.

For over the next ten days, a "Cloud of Promise"-themed notebook PC will be available for bidding at www.lenovohopefundauctions.com. The limited-edition notebook PC offers the Olympic fans the opportunity to bid and own a part of Olympic history. The auction site will be closed at midnight of 8 March. The remaining two auctions in India will begin on 6 May and 29 July, respectively.

Hundred per cent of the proceeds from the auction will be distributed through the Lenovo Hope Fund to select philanthropies, including Right to Play. The proceeds will be utilised to concentrate on microfinance, small- and medium-enterprise development and bringing sports to communities of children.

"We are thrilled to offer fans the unique opportunity to own these one-of-a-kind Olympic torch themed notebook PCs. Just as our technology helps bridge the physical gaps among different parts of the world, Lenovo's goal is to do the same through social investments. In the Olympic spirit of internationalism and cooperation, it is fitting that these Olympic torch-themed notebook PCs should benefit worthy causes," said Lenovo SVP of e-commerce, and chief marketing officer Deepak Advani.

The global auction is taking place in Japan, Australia, UK, France, Russia, USA, Hong Kong, Argentina, China, India, Brazil and Canada. In the final week leading up to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, 12 notebook PCs, one from each of the participating countries, will be auctioned to conclude the program. A total of 36 limited edition Lenovo notebook PCs are being auctioned around the world.