DETROIT, May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
Chevrolet announced today a three-year partnership with the One World Futbol Project, an award-winning B-Corporation and creators of the One World Futbol that 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.
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Chevrolet's pledge will be executed through a global network of organizations 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. "We're 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 organization, which was established in 2010 due in part to early support from world-renowned musician Sting. Chevrolet's support is part of a companywide 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 organizations – including schools, orphanages, and nonprofits – 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 inventor Tim Jahnigen, 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, co-founder and chief innovation officer at the One World Futbol Project. "Chevrolet is an ideal partner who shares our belief that football can not 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 organizations 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" program on the One World Futbol Project website, The purchase of a ball triggers the donation of another ball to organizations 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 organization can also do so through the Project website.
A One World Futbol 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.
On behalf of this partnership, One World Futbol founder, Tim Jahnigen and Sting appear together in a PSA produced by @radical.media, which will be distributed globally and prominently featured in the Sting 25 iPad App. Please visit www.ChevroletFC.com to join Chevrolet's efforts and donate a One World Futbol to an area of the world that is in need.
About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
About the One World Futbol Project
Launched in July 2010, the One World Futbol Project developed the One World Futbol—the world's first virtually-indestructible soccer ball that never needs a pump and never goes flat, even when punctured. For every ball bought at retail, the company donates a second ball to a community in need. The company also sells the One World Futbol directly to institutions and organizations, and works with schools, soccer teams, clubs and other organizations to help them raise funds while generating donated soccer balls at the same time. The One World Futbol Project is headquartered in Berkeley, California. To date, the One World Futbol has reached more than 137 countries through at least 138 organizations, keeping the spirit of play alive for an estimated 525,000 children and young people. For more information about the One World Futbol Project, visit www.oneworldfutbol.com. Follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/OneWorldFutbol and Twitter, www.twitter.com/oneworldfutbol.
SOURCE General Motors
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