World Cup Sponsors Gear Up — McDonald's, Visa, Hyundai

McDonald’s Connects with FIFA Fans

World Cup sponsor McDonald’s is bonding with FIFA Fans throughout the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Its Player Escort program will allow more than 1,400 children from 47 countries to opportunity to walk with football stars at the World Cup.

Twelve of the children accompanied VIP presenters onstage at the finale at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Concert.

McDonald’s is also launching its South Africa Coach the Coaches program that helps train coaches at the local schools and provides football equipment.

In other parts of the world, McDonald’s is giving six winners of the Ultimate FIFA World Cup Fan Program the chance to experience a semi-final match and the final match.

Restaurants around the world are also offering special FIFA World Cup themed menu items and promotions.

“Customers expect McDonald’s to sponsor the world’s biggest sporting event, and they want us to connect them to the excitement of this global competition,” Don Thompson, McDonald’s Corporation president and CEO said.

Visa Adds a Little Extra to the World Cup Experience

World Cup fans are getting an extra treat when they attend FIFA World Cup matches in Johannesburg, Cpae Town and Durban.

World Cup sponsor Visa will give fans the opportunity to have their face painted and have their pictures taken in front of a Go Fans billboard of the competing countries when they attend World Cup matches.

Fans will also be able to compete in the “Visa Goooal Shout” activity. Visa will use a stopwatch to measure how long fans can shout goal for their preferred teams.

The activities are part of Visa’s FIFA-themed marketing campaign Go Fans.

The sponsor is also allowing fans from around the globe to upload their videos supporting their favorite teams at www.youtube.com/visagofans.

Hyundai Drives Around Europe with Sponsorship

Hyundai Motor has launched a 21-day long tour of the 12 European countries competing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The World Cup sponsor began a 52-vehicle convoy from its European headquarters in Germany last week. The cars, laced with pictures of the World Cup, will make a journey to the 12 countries to connect with football fans.

Hyundai has provided more than 600 cars and vans and nearly 2,800 buses for the FIFA tournament in South Africa.

The sponsor will also crown a ‘Fan of the Match’ at half-time of all 38 Hyundai matches.

Briefs…

… London 2012 partner EDF Energy is sponsoring the second annual Green Britain Day. Olympians, Team Green Britain school children and celebrities are participating in activities to help promote a green future in London.

The school children have made promises to turn off their computers and video games at night.

“As well as being a fantastic sporting event the London Olympics are a great opportunity to inspire our communities across the UK into action,” Ed Milliband, Shadow Secretary of State for partner Energy and Climate Change, said.

Other promises from around the country will be added to environmentally friendly pedal-bikes.

… David Neal is leaving NBC Sports as executive producer after nearly 30 years at the U.S. network. Neal will form his own production company.Taking Neal’s post is Sam Flood, the announcement coming from Dick Ebersol, NBC Universal Sports chairman and executive producer for NBC’s Olympic and NFL coverage.

NBC also announced the formation of the “NBC Olympics Production Group,” which will oversee production of the 2012 Olympics for NBC. The group has collectively worked 54 Olympic Games and won 74 Emmys. Members of the group include Bucky Gunts, Molly Solomon, Peter Diamond, Mark Levy and Joe Gesue.

…Ulster Weavers Home Fashions Ltd will provide kitchen textiles for the 2012 London Games. The company will supply tea towels, aprons, oven gloves, tea cosies and textile bags.

…Sochi Grand Marina and Mourjan Marinas will build a new marina at the Black Sea resort ahead of the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.

…British bank Nationwide has offered higher interest rates on bonds if England wins the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It would up its fixed rate from 4.115 percent a year to 4.65 percent. Other companies offering free or discounted things and promotions include France, Germany, Mexico and Spain.

…EcoSportsBottle.com will continue as the green product supplier of USA Triathlon through 2012 after the two extended their partnership for three years.

…Pizza chain Papa John’s will sponsor the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The company will help feed volunteers during the event and will be the only pizza sold at the event.

…Outdoor accessory manufacturer Highlander will provide merchandise for London 2012.The Scotland based company will provide items such as blankets, folding furniture, sleeping bags, wallets and picnic rugs, after signing a licensee agreement last week with LOCOG.

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With reporting from Isia Reaves

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