Nokia scores title sponsorship of Nokia African Cup of Nations football tournament
Nokia has today in Nairobi, Kenya announced that it will be the title sponsor for the African Cup of Nations football tournament in 2004. The Nokia African Cup of Nations is a football tournament organized every two years on the African continent. From its start in 1957, the tournament has grown and developed into the largest sporting event in Africa. This is the first time the Cup has a title sponsor.
"Football is the most popular sport in Africa, and the Nokia African Cup of Nations tournament connects the continent, its countries and people in an involving and entertaining way," said Pekka Rantala, Vice President, Marketing Services, Europe and Africa, Nokia Mobile Phones. "This sponsorship is a natural extension of Nokia's focus on new growth markets, and is a perfect example of an event incorporating the core philosophy of the Nokia brand, Connecting People. We are looking forward to an amazing tournament, with a full schedule of enthralling games."
Nokia is supporting the sponsorship with a stimulating youth programme in various African countries. The goal of the programme is to present African youth the exciting future of mobile connectivity through fun and interactive shows and demonstrations. The youth programme is designed to offer participants an opportunity to learn about mobile technology while also having fun with friends in entertaining football events.
This year, the official draw for the Nokia African Cup of Nations will take place in Tunis on September 20. The 16 national final teams that have qualified for the finals will meet in Tunisia on 24 January with the final game played on 14 February 2004 in the city of Tunis.
The Nokia African Cup of Nations will be viewed by football enthusiasts across the whole African continent, and also in Europe, the Middle East, North and South America as well as Asia.
About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.
Further information:
Nokia Mobile Phones
Communications
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E-mail: nokia.mobile.phones@nokia.com
Nokia
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