Development is proceeding apace in South Africa as the country prepares to host the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ to be held in Africa. But the gap between rich and poor is considerable, and for most people actually going to see a real FIFA World Cup™ match is a matter of considerable difficulty.
That's the reason Sony has decided to step in and invite 15,000 South African children who normally wouldn't get a chance to enjoy the FIFA World Cup™ (even though it's in their own country) due to problems like the cost of tickets or the lack of transport. The basis of this initiative is the 15,000 tickets that FIFA awards to Sony as an Official Partner. On top of that, we also have contributions to help cover expenses from Sony Group employees who believed in the project.

The Ticket Fund is for girls and boys between the ages of 12 and 15. We teamed up with Grassroot Soccer (GRS), a South-African NGO with close ties to local communities for this project, and participation in a GRS-run HIV/AIDS awareness program is a precondition for kids who want to go to a game. Yes, we want them to enjoy a football match, but we also want to play a constructive part in helping prevent a disease rampant among the young.

Getting to and from the stadium is a big challenge in South Africa where public transport remains relatively undeveloped. The kids will be picked up from their towns and villages and dropped back off safely at home after the games. The local operation will be run by GRS with Sony shouldering the cost of return transport, personnel costs and running costs.

"Join the Team!" is the keyword for "Dream Goal 2010". Sony was eager for employees of group companies worldwide to feel involved and support the project. Companies based in Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin-America all took part.
Employees who raised funds above a certain level received original "Join the Team!" bandanas. The bandanas were designed by the Sony Creative Center's Satoshi Aoyagi, the man who designed the Sony original ball. The unique, four-color design evokes the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ in Africa through a combination of animals, trees and soccer balls. The same bandanas will also be given to all the children who get to go to the matches. The cluster of children in the stadium thrilled to be at their first-ever football match and the Sony Group staff all around the world will be wearing one and the same bandana. That is "Join the Team!" in action.

©2005 FIFA TM