Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, will leverage its smart products and technology to engage fans and create platforms to share their passion for football during the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) SOUTH AFRICA 2013, which will be held from 19 January to 10 February 2013.
An official sponsor of the competition since 2008, Samsung will engage fans in and around the stadiums to further the excitement surrounding the tournament. Under the theme of ‘Our Passion Powers Africa’, Samsung will take a leading role in engaging the region by holding pre-tournament campaigns in seven countries, namely South Africa, Angola, the DRC, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Zambia.
"Our sponsorship of the Orange AFCON SOUTH AFRICA 2013 is about bringing the passion and excitement of African football and this tournament to consumers," said Mr. Sunny Hwang, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Sports Marketing at Samsung. "We are excited to be a part of this legacy and will provide fans with new experiences and opportunities to share their passion for football and the AFCON,"
Football fans and consumers will be given unique opportunities to engage in the build-up to Orange AFCON SOUTH AFRICA 2013 with Samsung. The company will create 20 themed brand stores in six countries, namely the DRC, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. These platforms will allow fans and customers to engage in various events and unique fan experiences before and during the tournament. Additionally, Samsung will use different online programs to ensure that fans and customers are connected across the continent while sharing their passion for football and Orange AFCON SOUTH AFRICA 2013.
During the tournament, Samsung will also engage children through the 'Dream the Blues' initiative in Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. This initiative is a football camp jointly organized by Samsung and the Chelsea Football Club, where six children will be given a chance to visit the United Kingdom, meet with the 'Dream the Blues' ambassadors Fernando Torres, Victor Moses, Oscar and Juan Mata, and attend a Chelsea FC home game during their stay. This camp will be an extension of the Samsung-Chelsea FC youth football camps that were held in early 2012 in Ghana and the Ivory Coast.
Samsung is also continuing its 'Fair Player Award', which is given to one player after each game for their sportsmanship and fairness. A total of 33 awards will be distributed during this year's tournament.
"Samsung Africa is proud to be an official sponsor of the Orange AFCON SOUTH AFRICA 2013, which will also allow Samsung to be a part of Africa’s football heritage and join in the excitement surrounding this major event." said Mr. Kwang Kee Park, Senior Vice President of Samsung Electronics Africa Headquarters. “We will bring diverse programs and platforms for African football fans to engage in the games like never before."
The Samsung Orange AFCON campaign will begin running eight weeks prior to the opening match and extend throughout the tournament in February, providing fans with opportunities to take part in the campaign.
The Orange AFCON SOUTH AFRICA 2013 will be held in Durban, Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Rustenburg, and Port Elizabeth with a total of 32 matches being played across the country. This premier competition will bring together Africa's most talented football players, and is estimated to attract more than 6.6 billion cumulative TV viewers and 87,072 hours of TV exposure.