Hyundai’s England World Cup Challenge

With less than seven weeks to go before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Hyundai UK has kicked off celebrations with the arrival of the official Hyundai Goodwill Ball.

As the Official Automotive partner of the tournament, Hyundai has created 32 four-metre balls and given one to each of the qualifying nations. The balls are being sent to their respective countries where fans, officials and players are being asked to add their good luck messages to the team.

England’s Goodwill Ball will go on a nationwide tour of Hyundai dealerships where football fans will be invited to write good luck messages for the team.

Once the tour of the country is complete next month, the ball will fly back to Johannesburg in South Africa to be reunited with the other nation’s balls for the tournament’s opening ceremony.

Among the highlights of the tour will be a stop-off on May 9th at Upton Park – home of West Ham United. When England lifted the famous Jules Rimet trophy in 1966, no fewer than three members of the winning team (Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst) were West Ham players. As a result, the East London club enjoys a special link with the tournament.

Tony Whitehorn, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor UK said: “We’re delighted to be part of this great global event and hope that our friends at West Ham will bring England good luck in South Africa.”

Football fans are being urged to check with local Hyundai dealerships to find out when the Goodwill Ball will be rolling into their town.