Hyundai's Giant World Cup Balls Gather In South Africa

SYDNEY – Jun 8, 2010: Hyundai Motor Company’s giant Goodwill Balls ended their 32-nation tour today, bringing together the best wishes of football fans from all over the world and signalling the beginning of the FIFA 2010 World Cup™ in South Africa.

Hyundai, one of the official partners of the FIFA 2010 World Cup™, celebrated the grand finale at Hyundai Sky Park at Sandton Central, Johannesburg under the theme “South Africa Welcomes the World to its grounds.” Over 250 FIFA officials, VIPs and media members attended the event, which included a parade of all 32 of the four-metre high balls, together with some 300 dazzling performers.

The 32 Hyundai Goodwill Balls, carrying messages of good luck written by thousands of fans for their national teams, gathered in Johannesburg after travelling through each of the 32 qualifying countries.

“The Goodwill Balls play a crucial role in promoting the excitement of the FIFA World Cup games throughout the world, as well as bringing the spirit of global friendship, fair play and goodwill together,” Mr. Sean S.H. Kim, Senior Vice President of Hyundai’s Marketing Division, said during the celebrations in Johannesburg today.

For the sixth time, Hyundai has sparked the passion and goodwill of football fans worldwide through its Goodwill Ball program, which has been Hyundai’s flagship promotional event for football since its first introduction at UEFA EURO 2000™. The giant balls visited major cities where fans were able to sign the balls and send best wishes to their respective national teams. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup South AfricaTM, the 32 balls will follow their national teams and the messages will be on display at matches.