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Well, I have decided to focus on football for one particular reason — that sport is partnering with my passion, the motor industry, for a good cause.
Chevrolet recently announced a three-year partnership with the One World Futbol Project, an award-winning B-Corporation and creators of the One World Futbol.
This partnership will result in 1,5 million virtually indestructible footballs being donated to youth in war-stricken zones, refugee camps, disaster areas and other disadvantaged communities around the world.
Chevrolet’s pledge will be executed through a global network of organisations dedicated to helping empower the next generation of footballers.
“The One World Futbol Project celebrates a primary value that is very close to Chevrolet, that football can touch lives and bring positive change throughout the world,” said General Motors Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick at the launch.
“We are excited to support the One World Futbol Project’s mission to rally millions throughout the world to join in this effort and create a global movement for the good of the game and people who are passionate about it.”
Chevrolet becomes the founding sponsor of the organisation that was established in 2010 due in part to early support from world-renowned musician Sting.
Chevrolet’s support is part of a company-wide global football initiative that includes sponsorship of Barclays Premier League giants Manchester United.
“In Chevrolet we have a partner that has shown a passion and true appreciation of football’s power to effect positive change,” said Manchester United’s chief executive and chairman of the Manchester United Foundation, David Gill.
“Inspiring young people through education and activity stands at the heart of our Manchester United Foundation and we wholeheartedly endorse Chevrolet’s initiative with the One World Futbol Project.”
Since its inception, the One World Futbol Project has positively affected more than 525 000 lives in 137 countries through more than 138 organisations — including schools, orphanages and non-profits — which use sport to resolve conflicts, teach tolerance and build communities.
The company is also an affiliate member of streetfootballnetwork, which connects 94 football-for-social change non-profits in 61 countries.
One World Futbol Project co-founder and chief innovation officer Tim Jahnigen, who is also an accomplished lyricist, was inspired to start the project after watching CNN footage of kids in Darfur playing a football game using a ball of trash tied up with twine.
Jahnigen decided to create a ball that would play like a real football but would not be destroyed by the harsh conditions often facing footballers in some parts of the world.
“Our mission at the One World Futbol Project is to make a meaningful impact by bringing the joy of football and play to youth around the world so that children can be children no matter where they live,” said Jahnigen.
“Chevrolet is an ideal partner who shares our belief that football cannot only bring people together through the excitement of the game, but can also help heal and rebuild communities impacted by war, disasters and poverty.
Through this partnership, we can truly influence millions more lives with the simple power of a durable ball.”
The One World Futbol Project and ball were inspired by Sting’s song “One World (Not Three)”. The development of the ball required 11 months of prototyping and field testing in Africa, Haiti, Iraq and elsewhere.
The One World Futbol Project works with organisations and companies all around the world who purchase, sponsor and/or distribute the One World Futbol where it can support lasting play.
Individuals can also purchase a One World Futbol through a “Buy One Give One” programme on the One World Futbol Project website.
The purchase of a ball triggers the donation of another ball to organisations working in disadvantaged communities around the world, such as Coaches Across Continents, Goals Haiti, Right to Play International and Save the Children among others.
Those wishing to make donations only or purchase balls for their organisation can also do so through the project website.
A One World Futbol ball can outlast and outplay hundreds of regular balls, sustaining play in any environment.
The ball never needs a pump and never goes flat, even when punctured multiple times. The One World Futbol can withstand years of use on all types of terrain such as concrete, blacktops, dirt, rocky field or grass and endure harsh conditions without deflating. While designed to have the same size, weight and rebound characteristics of a traditional inflated football, the One World Futbol requires no stitching.
The material used to make the ball is inert (non-toxic, doesn’t leach) and is extremely rugged.
The durability of the One World Futbol helps meet a significant global environmental challenge by eliminating the waste of discarded, punctured soccer balls.
Chevrolet, which was founded in Detroit 1911, is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than four million cars and trucks a year.
Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality
To add to all the excitement, Chevrolet is entering into a five-year partnership agreement with Barclays Premier League giant Manchester United to become the club’s Official Automotive Partner.
Chevrolet is pledging that fans will be at the heart of its sponsorship with a constant focus on bringing the club supporters and football fans around the world closer to the game than ever before.
Manchester United has some of the most passionate supporters of any sporting club in the world.
Although part of two very different industries, Chevrolet and Manchester United share many of the same values.
Like the club, it is steeped in history having recently celebrated its centenary and is a global brand.
Above all, it too strives to be the best in its field.
With 659 million United fans and followers around the world, the commitment that Chevrolet is making to football will help grow sales too. Ciao
Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected]
Online Reporter