Kobe Bryant, Turkish Airlines' Global Brand Ambassador, Slated to Make Appearances for the Airline at this Weekend's Rematch between FC Barcelona and Manchester United

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Turkish Airlines today announced that Kobe Bryant, Global Brand Ambassador for the Airline, will make several appearances this weekend in Washington, D.C. on behalf of the brand.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110729/NY44205)

Kobe Bryant will attend the match between FC Barcelona and Manchester United on Saturday, July 30th and present the trophy awarded to the winning team at the end of the game.

Mr. Bryant also will attend the 4th Annual Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra Celebrity Soccer Challenge at Kastles Stadium on Sunday, July 31st.  Celebrities, professional athletes and local media personalities will participate in the 7 on 7 soccer match to support the Mia Hamm Foundation and Children's National Medical Center.  This event is supported by FC Barcelona, reinforcing their strong social commitment to giving back to nonprofits and the Club is extremely proud to have Mia Hamm as ambassador of the FC Barcelona in USA.  Celebrity players include U.S. Women's National team players Alex Morgan and Ali Krieger, NBA star Jeff Green and FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola and former player Andoni Zubizarreta.

Named Global Brand Ambassador for the Airline in late 2010, Mr. Bryant appears in the Airline's television and print advertising campaign worldwide.

"Turkish Airlines is very proud to work with Kobe Bryant, FC Barcelona and Manchester United," said Dr. Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Airlines.  "Turkish Airlines believes in the importance of sports as a way to foster community worldwide, and we are pleased to sponsor a diverse group of athletes, teams and sporting events around the globe."

As a sponsor of both FC Barcelona and Manchester United, Turkish Airlines will be participating in and sponsoring a variety of events throughout the weekend including press events, open trainings, the presenting match and the 4th Annual Celebrity Soccer Challenge.

A pioneer in the aviation industry and a member of the Star Alliance network since April 1, 2008, Turkish Airlines is known for its impeccable service, flight safety and connectivity worldwide.  Turkish Airlines currently flies to 183 destinations, including 142 international and 41 domestic lines.  In the Americas, Turkish Airlines currently offers non-stop direct flights from New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Toronto and Sao Paulo.

At the World Airline Awards in June, Skytrax, a world recognized brand associated with air travel excellence in the 21st century, named Turkish Airlines "Best Airline Europe," "Best Premium Economy Seats" for its all-new Comfort Class and "Best Airline Southern Europe."  The awards were based on a 10-month consumer satisfaction survey in which 18.8 million airline customers participated.

Turkish Airlines has its global headquarters in Istanbul, a gateway between east and west that allows visitors an unrivaled glimpse into world history, the chance to experience one of Eurasia's most cosmopolitan destinations and a hub for travel to other cities in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

About Turkish Airlines:

Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline company with a fleet of 177 aircraft flying to 186 destinations around the world, comprising 41 domestic and 145 international destinations.  Visit turkishairlines.com for more information.

About Star Alliance:

Turkish Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance network that was established in 1997.  Overall, the Star Alliance network offers 21.000 daily flights to 1,160 destinations in 181 countries.

About the 4th Annual Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra Celebrity Soccer Challenge:

The annual soccer challenge is hosted by the Mia Hamm Foundation to create awareness on bone marrow diseases and assist in growing the National Marrow Donor Program Registry, now called Be The Match.  Visit celebritysoccerchallenge.com for more information.

U.S. Press Contacts:

Olivia Seely
Edelman for Turkish Airlines
212.299.3958 / 917.482.9926
[email protected]

SOURCE Turkish Airlines