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McDonald’s gets a bite of Fifa WC with Player Escort Program
MUMBAI: As a worldwide sponsor and Official Partner of the 2006 Fifa World Cup McDonald’s introduces the Player Escort Program, which allows 1,408 children aged 6 to 10 years to walk onto the field hand-in-hand with the world’s best football players, at the start of all 64 official World Cup matches.
Selected from a total of 51 countries, this year’s Player Escort Program consists of 226 international children and 1,182 children from host country Germany, informs an official release.
In addition, the McDonald’s Player Escorts will also get a chance to experience the thrill of the Fifa World Cup through friendly football matches as part of their own tournament held in select cities in Germany during the World Cup, adds the release.
As a key marketing strategy, McDonald’s outlets around the world, are involving customers through special promotions, contests, advertisements, in-store activations and special menu items to bring the excitement of Fifa World Cup to local communities. For example, McDonald’s outlets in India have introduced a Foosball Freekick indoor table football game, where kids get the chance to take penalty shots against a goalkeeper and win prizes. In addition, special meals centred around the football theme cater to kids and adults alike.
Using the Internet as a medium, McDonald’s customers around the world have a chance to participate in the Fifa World Cup experience through an exclusive global sponsorship of the McDonald’s/FIFA Fantasy Game on http://www.FIFAworldcup.com, available in nine languages. The game offers football fans the opportunity to manage a squad of football superstars and compete against celebrity fantasy teams.
To top it all, McDonald’s is also giving away thousands of 2006 Fifa World Cup tickets through in-restaurant promotions, media tie-ins and special employee incentives in select McDonald’s markets, adds the release.
McDonald’s corporate VP Global Marketing Jeff Carl said, “McDonald’s has the ability to touch more than 50 million people each day, so we are in the unique position to deliver the fun and excitement of one of the world’s most prestigious football events in truly engaging and surprising ways.”
In keeping with the company’s “i’m lovin’ it” strategy of developing stronger connections with its customers around the world, Carl added, “Because we want our customers to feel closer to the World Cup, we have created a wide range of exclusive activities to bring the tournament to life.”
McDonald’s has served as sponsor and Official Partner of the Fifa World Cup since 1994 in the United States, continuing through 1998 in France, 2002 in Korea and Japan and 2006 in Germany and in true football spirit, their active efforts once again keep the fever rising high!
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
