|
Adding to the fervor of the FIFA World Cup TM 2010, Coca-Cola India today announced its partnership with Goa Football Association (GFA) to organize 'The Coca-Cola Celebration Cup', a grassroot level championship, to discover young promising football talent in Goa. This latest initiative is a part of Coca-Cola India's activation around the FIFA World Cup TM. In addition, the initiative also takes forward the companys' commitment to not only create a sporting culture but also promote healthy active living in the country.
Lending his support to this one of a kind initiative,Digambar Kamat, H'norable Chief Minister of Goa, attended the special event organized at St.Cruz Football ground in Panjim, Goa to announce the partnership. Also present at the event were Victoria Fernandes, Member of Legislative Assembly, Savio Messias, Secretary, Goa Football Association, Anand Singh, Director Marketing, Coca-Cola India and Bruno Coutinho, prominent Indian footballer and Arjuna awardee.
The event was marked by the unveiling of the Coca-Cola Celebration Cup Trophy by the dignitaries. Also, the Coca-Cola Celebration Cup jersey was presented to the captains of the teams playing the first match. The tournament took off with a symbolic kick-off by Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat followed by the first match played between C S Miguel de Taleigao and Aivao Y. C. As the match progressed, St.Cruz football ground roared with excitement as football enthusiasts cheered for their favorite teams.
Speaking at the event, Anand Singh, Director Marketing, Coca-Cola India said, "Our association with Goa Football Association is an extension of the Company's worldwide focus to promote sports and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle. We believe that great football talent exists in Goa and we need to identify and nurture it through interesting initiatives such as the Coca-Cola Celebration Cup. The Coca-Cola Company has been a longstanding partner with the FIFA World Cup TM and several other global football tournaments. We are happy to partner with Goa Football Association for the Coca-Cola Celebration Cup, which has the potential to emerge as a powerful youth program and create a grassroots football movement in the state."
The month long under-16 inter-village tournament will mark the commencement of Goa's football calendar every year. More than 672 footballers from 48 village teams of Goa will be participating in the tournament. All matches involving the 48 village teams will played in 7-A-Side format. Each team will consist of seven players and would also have roll on/roll off substitutes. Winners of the Coca-Cola Celebration Cup will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 50,000, while the runners-up would get Rs. 25,000.
In addition to the Coca-Cola Celebration cup, the company also supports the all India under-16 football tournament in partnership with All India Football Federation (AIFF) through the Coca-Cola Mir Iqbal Hussain Trophy.
|
|
