Puma hosts Africa Unity Experience
German sportswear brand Puma is to host an 'Africa Unity Experience' in Paris from May 28-29.
During the event, three African Federations—Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Ghana—will participate in a series of high-impact 'unity' events to generate fan support ahead of the World Cup. They will also help raise funds for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and for Puma's 2010 International Year of Biodiversity project 'Play For Life'.
One event will be an exhibition match on May 28 at 18:00, when players from the three teams will play at the Stade Michel Hidalgo in Saint-Gratien. They will wear the sportswear firm’s Africa Unity kit during the game.
The two-day event will culminate in a free concert on May 28 at 19:30 at La Cigale in the 18th arrondisement. Musicians from across Africa will appear including Tiken Jah Fakoly (Ivory Coast), M3NSA and M.ANIFEST (Ghana), Les Nubians (Cameroon) and Amazigh Kateb (Algeria). A range of Puma-sponsored footballers and Hollywood actor Djimon Hounsou will also make a special appearance.
"We're excited to host the Africa Unity Experience; Puma's official send-off to the African teams who are World Cup bound," said Jochen Zeitz, chairman and CEO. "It is through events like these that Puma's positioning as a sportlifestyle brand really comes to life. It represents the perfect marriage of sport and music and culture, bringing the unity message into focus. With our partner UNEP, and with the full support of the African Football Federations, we hope to raise awareness and interest in the topic of biodiversity through our activities during Africa Unity Experience event."
