Football Legends Join McDonald's(R) to Announce FIFA 2010 World Cup South
Africa(TM) Sponsorship Programs

    
    McDonald's Most Comprehensive Activation Features Exclusive Player Escort
    Program(TM), Innovative Online Games, In-Restaurant Activities, Team
    Sponsorships and Youth Clinics





    
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<p><location>CAPE TOWN</location>, <location>South Africa</location>, <chron>Dec. 2</chron> /CNW/ -- McDonald's today announced its most comprehensive FIFA World Cup global sponsorship featuring an array of consumer-focused programs that will engage football fans around the globe.  World Cup 2010 marks McDonald's fifth time as an Official Sponsor and the Official Restaurant of the tournament.</p>
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<p>McDonald's promises to bring the excitement of the world's most-watched sporting event to life for millions of customers and employees in its 32,000-plus restaurants in more than 100 countries.</p>
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<p>"We're committed to providing our customers with numerous ways to participate in the excitement and passion of FIFA World Cup <location>South Africa</location>," said McDonald's Global Communications Vice <person>President Bridget Coffing</person> at today's international media briefing.  "From specially-themed menu items, packaging and restaurant promotions to innovative digital activities, community youth clinics and team sponsorships, our goal is to connect our customers like never before with FIFA World Cup."</p>
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<p>As strong supporters of McDonald's Player Escort program, French football legend and 1998 World Cup winning team member Marcel Desailly and South African football hero John "Shoes" Moshoeu joined McDonald's today to share their experiences on one of McDonald's most inspiring World Cup initiatives.  Through this exclusive McDonald's program, 1,408 children (ages 6-10) are provided the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the tournament and walk hand-in-hand onto the pitch with their football heroes.  Children will be selected by participating countries through activities that encourage them to be active and inspire their creativity.  During the tournament, McDonald's Player Escorts will tour cultural sites in <location>South Africa</location>, cultivate new friendships and experience the thrill of FIFA World Cup(TM).</p>
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<p>"I am truly honored to be involved with McDonald's Player Escort program," said Desailly. "Through this initiative, McDonald's gives children a life-changing opportunity and I've personally witnessed the positive impact of this experience."</p>
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<p>Moshoeu added, "Here in <location>South Africa</location>, McDonald's Player Escort program made hundreds of dreams come true during the Confederations Cup 2009. I have been so touched by what this McDonald's program does for our children and their families."</p>
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<p>As part of today's kick-off, McDonald's also unveiled its online games exclusively featured on <a href="http://www.FIFA.com">www.FIFA.com</a>.  McDonald's new FIFA World Cup Predictor game connects global online football fans who use their knowledge and skills to predict which of the 32 FIFA World Cup(TM) teams will win game by game and round by round.  With McDonald's returning FIFA World Cup Fantasy Football game, football fans create their own digital teams of World Cup players.  Both games will offer exclusive prizes throughout and at the conclusion of the 2010 FIFA World Cup <location>South Africa</location>(TM).</p>
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<p>Additionally, McDonald's announced that a new McCafe is being built in the International Media Center (IMC) next to Soccer City Stadium in <location>Johannesburg</location>.  Opening in <chron>June 2010</chron>, the McCafe will feature a variety of specialty coffees and food choices for international and local media.</p>
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<p>"We look forward to hosting the thousands of customers and media who will come to <location>South Africa</location> next year," said <person>Greg Solomon</person>, Managing Director of McDonald's <location>South Africa</location>.  "We also will be part of the thrill leading up to the World Cup as our 130 local restaurants sponsor community activities throughout the country."</p>
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<p>More than 1,000 McDonald's Player Escorts will be selected from <location>South Africa</location>.  As host country, McDonald's <location>South Africa</location> will also sponsor the McDonald's Fan Dancer program, which provides young South African women, ages 16-25, with the unique opportunity to perform cheering routines at select matches during the 2010 World Cup(TM).</p>
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<p>For video from today's media briefing visit <a href="http://www.thenewsmarket.com/Mcdonalds">www.thenewsmarket.com/Mcdonalds</a>.  For more information and images visit <a href="http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com">www.aboutmcdonalds.com</a> -- click on Members of the Press/Electronic Press Kit.  Images will also be featured at <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/mcdonalds">www.gettyimages.com/mcdonalds</a>.</p>
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    McDonald's FIFA World Cup Background
    
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<p>McDonald's has been a supporter of football at both the global and grassroots levels for more than 25 years.  McDonald's became an Official Sponsor and the Official Restaurant of the FIFA World Cup(TM) in 1994 when the tournament was played in the <location>United States</location>.</p>
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    About McDonald's South Africa
    
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<p>McDonald's <location>South Africa</location> has 130 restaurants operating in nine provinces.  McDonald's is committed to the success of South Africa's markets, employing more than 7,000 South Africans and ensuring that 80 percent of food served at McDonald's restaurants is produced locally. Please visit <a href="http://www.mcdonalds.co.za">http://www.mcdonalds.co.za</a> to learn more.</p>
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    About McDonald's
    
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<p>McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 32,000 local restaurants in more than 100 countries.  About 80 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by franchisees.  Please visit <a href="http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com">www.aboutmcdonalds.com</a> to learn more about the Company.</p>
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    © 2009 McDonald's

    
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<p>  FOR MORE INFORMATION: <person>Soraya Garcia</person>, McDonald's [phone] <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>
<p>  Molly A. Lynch, GolinHarris [phone] <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>
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For further information: Soraya Garcia of McDonald's, [phone], [email protected]; or Molly A. Lynch of GolinHarris, [phone], [email protected] Web Site: http://www.FIFA.com http://www.mcdonalds.co.za