Hyundai Launches its Dream Ball Program

The `One Million Dream Balls for Africa’ program seeks to provide 1 million footballs to children across Africa through NGOs and UN organizations. The ceremony today was held at the Constitution Hill under the title ‘Sports for Peace Gala 2010’ in Johannesburg, South Africa. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Ban, Secretary-General of the UN; President of South Africa, Mr. Jacob Zuma; wife of former South African president Nelson Mandela, Ms. Graca Machel; Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Dr. Achmat Dangor; Hyundai Motor President & CEO, Mr. Steve S. Yang; and Senior Vice President of Hyundai’s Marketing Division, Mr. Sean S.H. Kim.

Launched on June 1, the `One Million Dream Balls for Africa’ is part of the automaker’s CSR programs to commemorate its 2010 FIFA World Cup™ sponsorship, allowing not only Hyundai car buyers but anyone to link their names with a charitable cause. Starting with the first ball today, Hyundai will donate the soccer balls to the UN Development Program. The delivery of soccer balls to all corners of the African continent will be assumed by NGOs and organizations under the United Nations from July, just after the World Cup, until December 2010.

“We wish to convey a message of hope and dreams to children in Africa through this project. As a global company, Hyundai will continue its efforts to fulfil its corporate social responsibilities worldwide,” said Mr. Yang, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.

Each ball will bear the donor’s name, while anyone who registers as a member of Hyundai’s 2010 FIFA World Cup™ micro-website (fifaworldcup.hyundai.com) or who buys a Hyundai car from the company’s worldwide sales network will be eligible to become a donor. The costs of the soccer balls and other expenses will be borne entirely by Hyundai and this project will last until the one millionth Hyundai fan around the world participates.

In line with the project, Hyundai plans to hold an ‘Africa Road Tour’ in six African nations from July 17~31, namely South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt. During the tour, Hyundai will explain the Dream Ball project, distribute soccer balls, and exhibit the company’s famous Goodwill Balls, as well as the latest vehicle models. The `Africa Road Tour’ will be filmed for a documentary by the National Geographic Channel and aired in Asia and Europe in August or September.

Credits: wilswong