On Thursday, 25 March 2010, McDonald’s South Africa held a random draw for their Player Escorts Program at Johannesburg Ellis Park Stadium.

With fewer than 90 days to go, the countdown to the much anticipated soccer spectacle, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is gaining momentum and raising South Africans’ excitement levels. This enthusiasm is now increased by McDonald’s South Africa Player Escort Program’s recruitment for 1 408 children who will be afforded a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to walk onto the football pitch hand in hand with their heroes.

McDonald’s holds the exclusive rights to the Player Escort Program as part of the company’s sponsorship of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Following an intensive two months intensive recruitment campaign, that kicked off on 25 January and closed on 7 March, the activation of the Player Escorts Program reinforces McDonald’s commitment to promoting active, balanced lifestyles, which is a key McDonald’s objective. “The program also reflects our ongoing commitment to the well-being of children in the communities in which we operate.

We are a long-time supporter of the FIFA World Cup and are delighted to provide this once in a lifetime opportunity for the children,” said Greg Solomon, Managing Director of McDonald’s South Africa.

The event was attended by the Who’s Who of Football including the soccer legend Shoes Moshoeu and other football celebrities.

“The World Cup and the events leading up to it are not just about football; infrastructure; and commercialization. They are about uniting a country and leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come,” says Nozipho Jafta Head of the McDonalds 2010 office.