Burson-Marsteller

Feel it because it is here – the countdown has begun!

by Robyn de Villiers on 6th June 2010 in The Cast Blog

The kick-off for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in just over a week’s time is fast approaching and the final touches are being made to all stadia and to infrastructure such as transport and hospitality. Some stadiums have already been put through their paces for a few Bafana Bafana (South Africa’s national squad) games. And spectators are enjoying everything about the games, including the vuvuzelas! (A plastic instrument, a metre long, brightly coloured noise-making trumpet that sounds like an elephant).

The World Cup 2010 opening ceremony set for Johannesburg, June 10 at Orlando Stadium will set the pace for the 32 days of thrilling soccer spectacle and will feature musical talent from every corner of the globe: Shakira, John Legend, Angelique Kidjo, Alicia Keys and Black Eyed Peas, to name but a few.

As of today you can drive around any part of the country and you will see many cars sporting national flags on their aerials, side mirrors or windscreens. Street poles, hotels and office parks are flying the flag high and supporting not only the national team but all the teams that will be representing their countries.

Business and media are on board to make 2010 an experience like no other for every South African and all visitors to the country. TV and print ads are urging everyone to get behind the SA team, to display the South African flag, do the Diski dance and sing the national anthem with pride – anything and everything to do their part to make sure that this chapter in history is unforgettable.

This is the biggest sporting event to be hosted on African soil and it surely will be remembered as the event that allowed Africa to showcase its people and cultures to the world. The excitement is palpable and anticipation is at fever-pitch.

June 11 will see not only South Africa but Africa taking centre-stage – will you be there to be a part of this experience?

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