NAIROBI, Kenya, September 22- Football fans across Africa will get the chance to get up close and personal with the FIFA World Cup trophy courtesy of Coca Cola.
The trophy will embark on a tour of 86 countries worldwide including all African countries as the continent prepares to stage football’s and sports’ biggest bonanza.
“The worldwide passion for the sport of football is unrivalled and gives our business the best platform to connect with fans everywhere Coca-Cola does business,” said Muhtar Kent, chairman and chief executive officer, The Coca-Cola Company.
“Our programs to support the 2010 FIFA World Cup, like the Trophy Tour, will help ensure that fans have the chance to experience the excitement and pageantry of football no matter where they live,” said he added.
The ceremonial start of the tour was held on Monday as FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Mr. Kent sent the Trophy on its round-the-world journey.
Egypt is the first port of call for the most coveted title in world sport which is currently being held by four time winners Italy.
It is scheduled to arrive in Kenya on November 13 for an overnight stay during which a host of activities has been planned for football fans to get within touching distance of the iconic diadem.
Famous players like Argentina’s Diego Maradona, Brazilian Romario and former French maestro Zinedine Zidane have held the solid gold trophy aloft.
Free tickets to the Trophy Tour will be made available to consumers via Coca-Cola promotions in countries on the route.
At events in each city, fans can have a souvenir photo taken of themselves with the trophy, view a 3-D movie showcasing moments of the FIFA World Cup, participate in interactive displays and enjoy other entertainment.
Short films highlighting the African leg of the tour will be created by a film crew lead by renowned filmmaker Jeremy Gilley of Peace One Day.
