A warm African welcome at International Football Village during World Cup
Wednesday 12, May 2010
Local and international soccer supporters, visitors of South Africa, businesses and their clients as well as media will be invited to enjoy the Beautiful Game in laid-back style at the International Football Village at Birchwood Hotel during June and July.
This private-sector World Cup initiative, designed to enable fans to celebrate soccer in an environment that showcases true South African hospitality, will be extending a warm African welcome to visitors from 11 June to 11 July 2010.
This festive football village in Ekurhuleni– the only one of its kind in the football world – will offer entertainment such as the German Fan Mile, a Brazilian Caipi bar, a Bavarian beerhouse and an African shebeen, every day from 11am. Restaurants and pubs a plenty will add tothe ambience, and there will be regular live performances by music acts such as Jamali, Garth Taylor, Mean Mr Mustard and Loyiso.
Even if you are not attending any soccer matches, at the International Football Village (IFV) you can still enjoy acomplete World Cup experience – in a safe, secure and inviting environment.
Large parties, small groups and individual soccer fans can feel free to relax, kick back and watch the matches live on the big screen in the 2,000-seater arena located at the German Fan Mile, while mingling with visitors from across the world.
Every night before a match, a soccer night party will rock the village with live entertainment, football experts, musicians and DJs hitting the stage.
The IFV will be located on a five-hectaresite at the Birchwood Hotel & Conference Centre, near OR Tambo International Airport. It is the brainchild of Birchwood CEO Kevin Clarence, along with South African, German and other business partners. The initiative is headed by Mike de Vries, a German branding and communication expert who was closely involved in the organisation of the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
"As the host nation, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, not only to enjoy the event, but become part of it and also to showcase true, warm South African hospitality," says Mike de Vries, the International Football Village CEO. "This outstanding project gives all the ideal platform to do so."
Adds Clarence, the Birchwood CEO: "We therefore invite patriotic South Africans and business leaders to join and support us for this chance to build unity, excitement and morale within businesses and forge closer ties between our compatriots and with the world. The aim is to integrate South African people from all walks of life, giving them the opportunity to participate in the event while taking on the role of genial host."
In addition to welcoming avid soccer fans, the IFV provides the ideal opportunity for companies to entertain clients, guests and employees in comfort while enjoying the largest sporting spectacle on earth. More than 50 private corporate suites are available for this purpose.
A media centre will be provided at the village with facilities for press conferences and talks, and with the previous day's matches being analysed by an international team of experts.
The IFV also boasts a four-star Apartment Park, comprising 655 rooms equipped with all the necessary mod cons to ensure the utmost comfort of guests.
Far more than merely a football fiesta, the IFV offers an invaluable opportunity to network, forge relationships and consolidate business ties during informal interaction or during the scheduled events, lectures and forums.
It's definitely time to say Ke Nako – and experience the World Cupin true South African style.
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