Residents of Ukrainian mine capital witness the legendary Trophy and will have their photos taken with it.
March 23, 2010, FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour with Coca-Cola arrives in Donetsk, Ukraine. The Trophy Tour was developed through an exclusive partnership between FIFA (International Football Federation - Fédération Internationale de Football Association) and Coca-Cola. The tour, which began its journey from the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, September 21, 2009, having visited visiting 83 countries (including 50 African nations) travelling in total 138,902 kilometers or more than three times the circumference of Earth. Yet this is the second great tour of the one-of-kind, solid-gold FIFA World Cup Trophy and unique opportunity to join the celebration. The authentic FIFA World Cup™ is awarded to the winning nation at each tournament. Made on the design of the Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, the prize is a composition of two human figures, which support the globe with their raised hands. The legendary trophy has a height of 36.8 cm, weights 6,175 grams and is made of solid, 18-carat gold. The base contains two layers of semi-precious malachite, while the bottom side of the Trophy bears the engraved years and names of all FIFA World Cup winners since 1974. The FIFA World Cup Trophy travels from country to country on a unique charter flight accompanied by the highest level of security. Walter Gordon, Regional Manager of The Coca-Cola Company in Ukraine, notes that Coca-Cola is a long-standing partner of the International Football Federation, and their fruitful cooperation counts more than one decade. The second FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is a convincing evidence of this successful partnership. Coca-Cola shares the passion fans have with football around the world. The FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is a unique way for fans to see football’s most-coveted prize up close, adding to the excitement and anticipation of football’s largest spectacle, the FIFA World Cup™. This is an extraordinary opportunity for people in countries along the Trophy Tour route to take in a piece of football history and share with each other their passion for the sport. "We are very proud to welcome FIFA World Cup Trophy at our stadium - said Mircea Lucescu, Chief coach of Donetsk FC "Shakhtar" - Being very close to football I can say that for the last couple of years Ukrainian football developed a big potential and brings the real joy to Ukrainian fans. We are proud that two young students of our Football Academy are granted with an honour to open the Trophy in Donetsk. I’m sure it has symbolic meaning and will give luck to Ukrainian football players and fans in the future. "The whole Ukraine and Donbas in particular welcomes FIFA World Cup Trophy", confirms Mr. Lukyanchenko, City Mayor of Donetsk. - It's a great honor for Donetsk and is a tribute to great achievements of our regional leading football team. Also, we are very grateful to Coca-Cola for bringing the spirit of world football forum to Ukraine, which gives a chance to all Ukrainians to feel as a part of grandiose football event. Emanuel Maradas, the Official Spokesman of FIFA with Coca-Cola assures, that despite to diversity of nations, religions and state systems, anywhere FIFA World Cup Trophy had a stop, it was welcomed with glad and inspiration. Emmanuel Maradas is sure that this historical visit of the coveted Trophy to Donetsk is an unforgettable event in the life of not only this city, but the whole country. During the Trophy Tour, Ukrainian fans are given a chance to enjoy a rare close-up view of the authentic FIFA World Cup™ Trophy on 24th of March at the stadium "Donbass-Arena". Ticket to see the Trophy is a unique Coca-Cola golden bottle. At the event in Donetsk fans will have the opportunity to have a souvenir photo taken of themselves with the trophy, view a special 3-D movie showcasing memorable moments of the FIFA World Cup™, participate in different activations and enjoy other entertainment. Coca-Cola shares the passion fans have with football and during the coming summer will bring different football activations to its consumers. About The Coca-Cola Company The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola®, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Coke Light®, Fanta®, Sprite®, Schweppes®, Nestea®, Juice Rich® and many others. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of nearly 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com. About the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ takes place in South Africa, kicking off on 11 June. It is the first time the 32 final teams are competing for the world’s most sought after trophy on the African continent. The final will be played on 11 July 2010 at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. NOTE TO EDITORS: Media can retrieve digital photos and other artwork to accompany this story by visiting http://CokeURL.com/2010FWCPressCenter Contacts: Olesya Zhulynska, Coca-Cola Ukraine Public Affairs and Communications Manager, tel.: (044) 490-07-07, e-mail: ccbu@cchellenic.com