FIFA 2010 World Cup Soccer Launch –
Chicago-September 25-28, 2009
Chicago-
Saturday September 26, 2009, South African Tourism in association with the South African Consulate General hosted a special weekend launch of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
· Friday the Chicago Joffrey Ballet performed the Diski Dance for the first time in the U.S. on NBC.
· Festivities continued on Saturday at the Toyota Park Soccer Stadium with pre-game festivities included, teaching the diski dance, SA flags, postcards, travel packages, thundersticks. At half time Jeff Radebe, South Africa’s 2010 FIFA Global Tourism Ambassador announced the winners of an all inclusive trip for 2 to South Africa; this was televised live including 150 Joffrey Ballet dancers performing the diski dance. Zakumi the South African mascot and Sparky the Chicago Fire team mascot performed with them as well.
· Monday a gala reception was held at the Allegro Hotel.
· Organizer/Speakers:
· Ambassador Willie Nhlapo (Washington DC)
· Sthu Zungu: South African Tourism (CEO)
· Ambassador Lucas Radebe (FIFA)
· Wendy Thou (SABC)
· Tiego Motlhamme (South African Consulate-Chicago)