As part of the campaign, Chevrolet, in collaboration with One World Futbol Project, is donating 50 000 nearly indestructible footballs to SAFA’s Development Agency.
The announcement comes at a time when the SDA introduces South Africans to it’s Vision 2022 – ‘Changing Football, Changing the Nation’. The ball donation is the first in South Africa and benefits the organisations working with youth in disadvantaged communities.
“The act of play is a fundamental human need that transcends cultures and impacts all ages,” says Tim Hendon, Chevrolet Brand Manager, South Africa.
“Trough our partnership with the SAFA Development Agency and One World Futbol Ptoject, Chevrolet is fueling ingenuity and imagination for children and adult alike, driving a sense of what is possible.”
SAFA Development Agency chairman Robin Petersen noted during the announcement: “Without the support of corporate South Africa for the SAFA Development Agency Vision 2022, our goals will not be possible.
“We require sustained support from corporates on multiple levels. The partnership with Chevrolet and The One World Futbol Project showcases that corporate and NGO synergies are able to produce meaningful results, positively impacting lives.”
The 50 000 ball donation is part of Chevrolet’s pledge as the founding sponsor of One World Futbol Proect to donate 1.5million nearly indestructible footballs globally.
One World Futbol Project is a mission-driven company focused on bringing the healing power of play to youth worldwide by making, selling and distributing nearly indestructible balls that survive the harshest environments.
According to One World Futbol Project, Chevrolet-sponsored One World Futbols have been delivered to more than 50 countries affecting the lives of an estimated 21million children.
“We started One World Futbol Project with a goal to bring the power of play to children worldwide through organizations using sport and play to teach life skills and foster social change,” said Sandra Cress, Africa Director, One World Futbol Project.
“By working with out founding sponsor Chevrolet and partners like SAFA and streetfootballworld, we’re bringing play to youth loving in disadvantaged communities - and opening the doors to enhanced collaboration between governments, NGO’s and corporate entitles to serve those in need.”
The One World Futbol is a nearly indestructible ball that never needs a pump and never deflates - even when punctured, making it ideal for play I all types of terrain such as concrete, blacktops, dirt, rocky field or grass, and harsh environments. It provides children with the opportunity to play anywhere and is a standard football size. It can also be used in other sports, where a ball is needed.
The ball donation will be part if the work the Chevrolet Ute Force initiative and Dreamfields are already doing with schools across South Africa. The two groups are workin together to supply schools with football equipment, kits and the nearly indestructible balls, helping establish inter-schools with football leagues. Chevrolet plans to roll out te program to three additional communities by the end of 2014.
“Chevrolet understands how football can touch lives and crest a positive impact in South Africa and around the world,” Hendon said. “By working with SAFA, Chevrolet can help establish the next generation of footballers in this country and give children who might not have the opportunity to play a chance to experience the most popular sport in the world.”
People interested in additional information regarding Chevrolet's “What Do You #PlayFor?” campaign can visit www.chevroletfc.com or follow Chevrolet and One World Futbol Project on twitter: @Chevroletsa and @OneWorldFutbol.