MEDIA RELEASE PR37366
Football Legends Join McDonald's(R) to Announce FIFA 2010 World Cup South Africa(TM)
Sponsorship Programs
CAPE TOWN, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
McDonald's Most Comprehensive Activation Features Exclusive
Player Escort Program(TM), Innovative Online Games, In-Restaurant Activities,
Team Sponsorships and Youth Clinics
McDonald's today announced its most comprehensive FIFA World Cup global
sponsorship featuring an array of consumer-focused programs that will engage
football fans around the globe. World Cup 2010 marks McDonald's fifth time as
an Official Sponsor and the Official Restaurant of the tournament.
McDonald's promises to bring the excitement of the world's most-watched
sporting event to life for millions of customers and employees in its
32,000-plus restaurants in more than 100 countries.
"We're committed to providing our customers with numerous ways to
participate in the excitement and passion of FIFA World Cup South Africa,"
said McDonald's Global Communications Vice President Bridget Coffing at
today's international media briefing. "From specially-themed menu items,
packaging and restaurant promotions to innovative digital activities,
community youth clinics and team sponsorships, our goal is to connect our
customers like never before with FIFA World Cup."
As strong supporters of McDonald's Player Escort program, French football
legend and 1998 World Cup winning team member Marcel Desailly and South
African football hero John "Shoes" Moshoeu joined McDonald's today to share
their experiences on one of McDonald's most inspiring World Cup initiatives.
Through this exclusive McDonald's program, 1,408 children (ages 6-10) are
provided the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the tournament and walk
hand-in-hand onto the pitch with their football heroes. Children will be
selected by participating countries through activities that encourage them to
be active and inspire their creativity. During the tournament, McDonald's
Player Escorts will tour cultural sites in South Africa, cultivate new
friendships and experience the thrill of FIFA World Cup(TM).
"I am truly honored to be involved with McDonald's Player Escort
program," said Desailly. "Through this initiative, McDonald's gives children
a life-changing opportunity and I've personally witnessed the positive impact
of this experience."
Moshoeu added, "Here in South Africa, McDonald's Player Escort program
made hundreds of dreams come true during the Confederations Cup 2009. I have
been so touched by what this McDonald's program does for our children and
their families."
As part of today's kick-off, McDonald's also unveiled its online games
exclusively featured on www.FIFA.com. McDonald's new FIFA World Cup Predictor
game connects global online football fans who use their knowledge and skills
to predict which of the 32 FIFA World Cup(TM) teams will win game by game and
round by round. With McDonald's returning FIFA World Cup Fantasy Football
game, football fans create their own digital teams of World Cup players. Both
games will offer exclusive prizes throughout and at the conclusion of the
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa(TM).
Additionally, McDonald's announced that a new McCafe is being built in
the International Media Center (IMC) next to Soccer City Stadium in
Johannesburg. Opening in June 2010, the McCafe will feature a variety of
specialty coffees and food choices for international and local media.
"We look forward to hosting the thousands of customers and media who will
come to South Africa next year," said Greg Solomon, Managing Director of
McDonald's South Africa. "We also will be part of the thrill leading up to
the World Cup as our 130 local restaurants sponsor community activities
throughout the country."
More than 1,000 McDonald's Player Escorts will be selected from South
Africa. As host country, McDonald's South Africa will also sponsor the
McDonald's Fan Dancer program, which provides young South African women, ages
16-25, with the unique opportunity to perform cheering routines at select
matches during the 2010 World Cup(TM).
For video from today's media briefing visit
McDonald's FIFA World Cup Background
McDonald's has been a supporter of football at both the global and
grassroots levels for more than 25 years. McDonald's became an Official
Sponsor and the Official Restaurant of the FIFA World Cup(TM) in 1994 when
the tournament was played in the United States.
About McDonald's South Africa
McDonald's South Africa has 130 restaurants operating in nine provinces.
McDonald's is committed to the success of South Africa's markets, employing
more than 7,000 South Africans and ensuring that 80 percent of food served at
McDonald's restaurants is produced locally. Please visit
About McDonald's
McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than
32,000 local restaurants in more than 100 countries. About 80 percent of
McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by franchisees.
(c) 2009 McDonald's
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Soraya Garcia, McDonald's
+1-630-400-4014
Soraya.Garcia@us.mcd.com
Molly A. Lynch, GolinHarris
+1-312-282-7153
mlynch@golinharris.com
Source McDonald's
CONTACT: Soraya Garcia of McDonald's, +1-630-400-4014,
Soraya.Garcia@us.mcd.com; or Molly A. Lynch of GolinHarris, +1-312-282-7153,
mlynch@golinharris.com
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