South African team heads to Russia for the World Final of the 2017 KIA Champ into the Arena tournament
(JOHANNESBURG) June 23, 2017 – Following the national final of KIA Motors South Africa’s ‘Champ into the Arena’ amateur five-a-side football tournament in May, the winning team – Johannesburg-based Football Flava – is jetting off to Sochi, Russia this Sunday to compete in the world finals of KIA Motors’ global Champ into the Arena tournament, where they will play the beautiful game against seven of best amateur teams from all over the world.
In preparation for the global finals, the team spent a morning with KIA Champ into the Arena tournament ambassador, Moeneeb Josephs, on Saturday, 17 June 2017. Moeneeb trained with the team, sharing his passion, knowledge and technical skills with the team as they prepare for the world finals.
The tournament, a global activation in support of KIA Motors’ global vehicle partnership to FIFA, takes place in Sochi, Russia on 28 June 2017 as part of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. Apart from competing in the finals, the team will also visit several of Sochi’s attractions, and have the opportunity to attend a semi-final match in the Confederations Cup.
KIA at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup
KIA Motors has supplied 83 vehicles to ensure the smooth running of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017, the final of which is scheduled to be held in Saint Petersburg on 2 July 2017. The tournament is contested by the holders of each of the six regional championships (Australia, Cameroon, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal), along with the FIFA World Cup holder (Germany) and the 2018 host nation (Russia).
Official automotive partner to FIFA, the 83-strong fleet of vehicles supplied by KIA Motors include Mohave, Sorento, Sportage and cee’d to transport national football teams, referees, officials and delegates during the international tournament. KIA will also provide 24-hour roadside support throughout the tournament.
Attending the handover ceremony, Jay Neuhaus, FIFA Head of Rights Delivery & Hospitality, said: “KIA Motors has been our official partner since 2007 and we are grateful for its support in supplying tournament vehicles for this year’s FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia. The fleet of vehicles will ensure the smooth operation of the event, enabling us to transport players, media and officials throughout the tournament. Both FIFA and KIA share a passion for football, and these cars will be used behind the scenes to deliver the excitement of ‘the beautiful game’ to fans around the globe.”
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Alexander Moynov, Managing Director of KIA Motors Russia, commented: “As a prelude to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup is one of the most important international football tournaments this year, and is followed by millions of fans worldwide. We are excited to be involved in making the Confederations Cup a success, and we look forward to bringing people closer to the KIA brand through this major event.”
KIA’s involvement in the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 also includes the company’s search for official match ball carriers. Sixteen children from all over the world will take part in the pre-match ceremony – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young football fans to hand over the match ball to the referee. KIA also held a ‘Lucky Drive’ competition, selecting two customers from 18 countries around the world – including South Africa – who attended the opening match of the tournament, Russia vs. New Zealand, on the 17th of June in Saint Petersburg.
Via: KIA Motors South Africa