FC Barcelona coach and former international player, Pep Guardiola joined NIKE Inc., the world’s largest football company, in a visit to the Football Training Center located in the heart of Soweto, South Africa to help inspire young footballers to fulfill their potential.

While at the Football Training Center, Guardiola joined young players at a training and Life Skills session providing encouragement and advice to improve their game and raise HIV / AIDS awareness.

The recently completed center will offer 20,000 young footballers per year the opportunity to develop their talent while also having access to HIV/AIDS education through football life skills programming.

“The Football Training Center is a terrific facility that provides young footballers of Soweto with an opportunity to realize their potential and also learn important life skills including HIV / AIDS prevention,” said Pep Guardiola. “Young players need access to quality facilities and coaching, clearly, the Football Center gives opportunity and hope to young players to achieve their goals in football and in life.”

The center is part of Nike’s commitment to the communities of South Africa, which dates back 15 years. It also follows Nike’s recent partnership with (RED)™ to leverage the power of sport to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa through the Lace Up, Save Lives campaign. When someone buys a pair of (NIKE)^RED laces, Nike contributes 100% of its profits to support programs that offer HIV / AIDS education and medication in Africa.

As part of his visit, Guardiola sent text messages of support to players and a motivational message to young footballers in South Africa via Nike’s ambitious Life Center LED installation. The Life Center is one of Johannesburg’s most iconic skyscrapers and the site of Nike’s ambitious installation. Reaching 30 stories or 138 meters into the sky, the building features an interactive LED screen almost half the size of a football pitch. Tying back to the Write the Future campaign, the Nike installation allows fans to submit personal messages to athletes—via Facebook.com/nikefootball.com, Twitter, Facebook, Mxit (South Africa) and QQ (China). Each night messages are selected and transformed into digital player animations that are projected on the screen for the entire city to see.

On his first visit to the African continent, five-time champion Kobe Bryant joined NIKE Inc., the world’s largest football company, in a visit to the Football Training Center located in the heart of Soweto, South Africa to help inspire future champions.

The recently completed center will offer 20,000 young footballers per year the opportunity to develop their talent while also having access to HIV/AIDS education through football life skills programming.

“While basketball is my chosen sport, I’ve been a football fan all my life. So to be in South Africa for the first time and see how Nike is utilizing sport to inspire youth and educate them around HIV/AIDS is amazing,” said Kobe Bryant.  “It’s crystal clear that this center will help keep kids out of trouble, improve their game, as well as empower them with the life skills they need to live better and HIV free.”

The center is part of Nike’s commitment to the communities of South Africa, which dates back 15

years. It also follows Nike’s recent partnership with (RED) to leverage the power of sport to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa through the Lace Up, Save Lives campaign. When someone buys a pair of (NIKE)^RED laces, Nike contributes money to support programs that offer education and medication on the ground in Africa and that harness the power of sport to engage youth around the world in the fight against AIDS.

In addition to his visit to the center, Bryant has displayed his personal dedication to fighting HIV/AIDS by sporting (NIKE)^RED laces on the basketball court. The laces are the centerpiece of Nike’s Lace Up, Save Lives campaign. Conducted in partnership with (RED), the initiative offers individuals the opportunity to purchase (NIKE)^RED laces, and in return Nike contributes 100 % of its profits to support programs that offer HIV/AIDS education and medication in Africa.

While in South Africa, Kobe also visited the Life Center, one of Johannesburg’s most iconic skyscrapers and the site of Nike’s ambitious, tournament installation. Reaching 30 stories or 138 meters into the sky, the building features an interactive LED screen almost half the size of a football pitch. Tying back to the Write the Future campaign, the Nike installation allows fans to submit personal messages to athletes—via Facebook.com/nikefootball.com, Twitter, Facebook, Mxit (South Africa) and QQ (China). Each night messages are selected and transformed into digital player animations that are projected on the screen for the entire city to see.

“Lace Up. Save Lives”.

Today life saving medication exists but millions still can’t afford it.  Watch how the power of a global movement can eliminate AIDS.  You’ve seen the future.  Now write it.  Join the fight. Help improve the lives of people affected by AIDS in Africa by buying (NIKE)RED laces and help spread the (RED) story. End AIDS. http://www.nike.com/red

Didier Drogba launches new call to action to Fight Pandemic

NIKE have launched a new short film featuring global football icon Didier Drogba that presents an aspirational glimpse into the future to a world free from the HIV/AIDS pandemic.  This powerful content piece calls on people to join the movement to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

The film is another extension of Nike’s partnership with (RED)™ to leverage the power of sport to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa through the Lace Up, Save Lives campaign.  This unique partnership, first announced with Didier Drogba on November 30^th in London last year, means that when someone buys a pair of NIKE (PRODUCT)^RED™ laces, Nike contributes one hundred percent of the profits to support programs that offer education and medication on the ground in Africa to fight against HIV / AIDS.

People can engage in the fight against AIDS in many ways including money donations, political action or engaging in a simple act like choosing (RED) products.  The (NIKE)^RED film depicts the powerful ripple effect that could happen to help eliminate HIV / AIDS and transform the lives of generations to come.

“The end of HIV/AIDS is not just a dream – it is within our reach if everyone takes action,” said Didier Drogba.  “The simple act of purchasing a pair of (RED) laces can help deliver the education and medication needed to help people remain HIV free or live with the virus. The film is a dramatic and impactful way to deliver a message of hope.”

The film begins in the future with a scene in a Johannesburg classroom. The day’s history lesson: The end of the AIDS pandemic. The film moves through history in reverse to Johannesburg, 2010, where Drogba is giving a press conference following a triumphant performance. Drogba issues a call to action to purchase (NIKE)^RED laces, which sets off a series of ripple effects around the world as people everywhere heed his call.

As people unite behind Drogba’s call, a series of vivid scenes depict the result: A young boy receives life-saving medication. Crowds line up to receive HIV tests. An HIV-positive mother gives birth to an HIV-negative child. School children begin to learn about prevention of the disease. Infection rates begin to fall. The film’s final scene depicts news footage of the passing of the last survivor of AIDS.

The film’s ultimate message is one of hope, illustrating the power of collective action from millions of people around the world to change the course of history.

“Through our partnership with (RED) we have created a unique approach to both educate and medicate people impacted by HIV / AIDS,” said Trevor Edwards, VP of Global Brand & Category Management. “This new film provides a compelling insight into how everyone has the power to fight this disease. With football as the catalyst, we can make an impact in the fight against this disease and help get to a place where future generations can live HIV-free.”

The (NIKE)^RED partnership has leveraged a host of football moments and engaged athletes with global appeal to elevate awareness and unite people to make a difference.  From Barclays Premier League clashes such as Arsenal vs. Manchester United, to high profile international games featuring Brazil, and athlete support from tennis superstar Serena Williams and basketball icon Kobe Bryant, NIKE (RED) laces have created a lasting symbol of support against HIV / AIDS.

The (NIKE)^RED film is available to view now at Nike.com/Red. (Nike)^RED laces can be purchased at nikestore.com, Nike retail locations and key retailers worldwide. Free shipping of (Nike)^RED laces is available now through July 11^th.

Three leading European football leagues will turn (RED)™ this weekend as Nike introduces a special edition (PRODUCT)RED™ ball in the leagues’ home fixtures to raise awareness of the (NIKE) RED ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ partnership.

In a unified show of support for the global initiative, Barclays Premier League, Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A will use a (NIKE)RED ball at all home games over the weekend of March 13th and 14th.

The Nike and (RED) partnership invites people to ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ by purchasing a pair of (NIKE)RED laces. One hundred percent of the profits from (NIKE)RED laces is split equally between The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which funds AIDS programs that provide medicine, treatment and services for those living with HIV, and football-based community initiatives that deliver education and understanding around HIV/AIDS prevention.

The (NIKE)RED ball is a specially designed T90 Ascente – the same make of ball currently used by all three leagues and boasts all of the technological innovations that the players are accustomed to week in week out, but features the (RED) laces graphic on the exterior. These balls are available to buy now for R799.95 from the Nike Store locations countrywide.

Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive of the Premier League, said: “The Premier League has enormous global appeal and we are committed to using our reach to raise awareness of this partnership between, Nike, one of our longest serving commercial partners, and (RED). A red ball and red laces are simple ideas, but sometimes those are the best – the hope is that the profile given through this and the money raised through ‘Lace Up, Save Lives’ will provide significant impetus and funding to the Global Fund’s activities to aid the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Africa.”

Seb Bishop, International CEO (RED) says: “(RED) works with the most iconic companies in the world, Nike among them. We are incredibly thankful for their partnership and for the support of three of the world’s premier football leagues which will have a powerful impact on our efforts.”

“Nike has a history of elevating global causes through sport. Through the power and appeal of football, this campaign not only highlights the HIV/AIDS issue globally, it has also created a great way to raise much needed funds,” said Mark Parker, President & CEO of NIKE, Inc.

The (NIKE)RED Limited Edition Ascente Ball will be available for R799.95 and 2010 (NIKE)RED Limited Edition Brasil N98 Track Jackets will be R899.95 and both will be sold globally from March 3rd. (NIKE)RED products are also now being sold at retail. (NIKE)RED laces are available now at Nike Store locations, key retailers and www.nikefootball.com/RED or at www.nikestore.com. The jackets are numbered. A second round of balls will be available again starting in May.

Read more about Nike and (RED)’s partnership here.

The Brazil vs. Ireland friendly to be played tomorrow, Tuesday March 2^nd at Emirates Stadium, will turn (RED) as both sides show their support for the (NIKE) ^RED ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ ™ partnership that raises funds to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Red netting will be used in the goals for the match and a special Nike (RED) ball will be used during the game to highlight the partnership. Players from both teams will wear Nike (RED) laces in their boots and the Brazil team will run out onto the pitch wearing Nike (RED) track jackets to show their commitment.

All digital perimeter boards around the pitch and all of the giant TV screens in the stadium will show the “Lace Up. Save Lives” message inviting consumers to ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ by purchasing Nike (RED) products. One hundred percent of the profits are split equally between The Global Fund which funds AIDS programs that provide medicine for those living with HIV, and football-based community initiatives that deliver education and understanding around HIV/AIDS prevention.

“Nike has a history of elevating global causes through sport. Through the power and appeal of football, this campaign not only highlights the HIV/AIDS issue globally, it has also created a great way to raise much needed funds,” said Mark Parker, President & CEO of NIKE, Inc.

On November 30^th, 2009, the eve of World AIDS Day, Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal), Denilson (Arsenal), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Lucas Neill (Galatasaray), Clint Dempsey (Fulham) and Seol Ki-Hyeon (Pohang Steelers) joined U2 front man Bono and Mark Parker at Niketown London to announce the partnership.

Nike (RED) products are also now being sold at retail. (Nike)^RED laces are available now at Nike Store locations at a cost of R40.00 per pair.

The Nike (RED) Limited Edition Ascente Balls and 2010 Nike (RED) Limited Edition Brasil N98 Track Jackets will be sold globally starting March 3^rd. The jackets are numbered. The Ascente Balls will retail at R799.95 and the N98 Jacket at R899.95.

The March 2^nd game is the first in a series of (RED) themed federation games designed to support the initiative. The following games will also have similar (RED) elements:

• 3 March: Holland vs. USA
• 3 March: Portugal vs. China
• 3 March: Belgium vs. Croatia
• 6 March: Kaizer Chiefs vs. Free State Stars
• 6 March: Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Golden Arrows
• 6 March: Werder vs. Stuttgart
• 13 March: Hertha vs. FC Nurnberg
• 24 March: Basel vs. Zurich
• 20 March: Austria Wien vs Salzburg
• 20 March: PSV vs. Twente
• 20 March: Trabzonspor vs. Galatasaray

WORLD’S TOP FOOTBALLERS JOINED BY KOBE BRYANT AND MARIA SHARAPOVA TO LACE UP AND SAVE LIVES IN NEW SHORT FILM FROM NIKE

Football rivals, tennis and basketball Stars show creative ways to wear Red laces in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa

In support of Nike and (RED)’s unique two-pronged partnership approach to fight HIV/ AIDS in Africa, leading footballers Didier Drogba, Andrei Arshavin, Clint Dempsey, Denilson, Marco Materazzi, Javier Mascherano, Fabio Cannavaro along with Maria Sharapova and Kobe Bryant came together in a new viral film released by Nike this week to encourage fans globally to “Lace Up Save Lives”.

The film is part of the (PRODUCT)^RED™ partnership. Nike produces (RED) branded laces, with 100% of Nike’s profits from the sales of (NIKE)^RED laces going to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria – which funds medication for those living with HIV – and football-based community initiatives that deliver education and understanding around HIV/AIDS prevention in Africa.  This unique partnership, first announced on November 30^th, the day before World AIDS day in London last year, delivers programs that both medicate and educate.

Bringing together athletes with global appeal across football, tennis and basketball through this film provides another way to elevate awareness and unite people in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa.

The film features a cast of global athletes using the (Nike) ^RED laces to lace up in unusual and imaginative ways.  Premier league rivals Drogba and Arshavin pay each other the ultimate respect lacing each other’s boots, as do Serie A competitors Materazzi and Cannavaro.  Maria Sharapova and Kobe Bryant add their personal touches, while all the players use the RED laces in distinct ways to encourage support for the campaign.

Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, the leading global ambassador for (Nike)^RED, has been wearing the (RED) laces in Premier League and at The African Cup of Nations, comments: “Filming was a lot of fun, but all of us are aware of the seriousness of the problem of HIV and AIDS in Africa and it is something I have seen first hand when I go back there. Maybe people aren’t aware but AIDS is treatable and we want to encourage players and fans around the world to by the laces and help fight this disease.”

The Nike (RED) Laces cost R40.00 a pair, and are available at Nike stores, Gallery on 4^th in Melville and on www.nikestore.com.

Additional (NIKE) ^RED products will be introduced in the coming months.

The Emirates Stadium will turn (RED) this Sunday as Arsenal play host to Manchester United, in a game which sees both clubs show their support for the NIKE (PRODUCT) ^RED ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ partnership that generates funds to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

(RED) goal-nets – a first in the Barclays Premier League, will sit between the posts for the match and a giant (NIKE)^RED lace will be hung around the middle tier of the stadium to ‘tie the stadium together’.

Players from both clubs, including Cesc Fabregas, Andrei Arshavin, Theo Walcott, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, will wear (NIKE)^RED laces in their boots during the game and both sides will run out onto the pitch wearing (NIKE)^RED track jackets to show their commitment to the partnership.

And fans too can show their support for the initiative by raising (NIKE)^RED ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ cards as the players take to the pitch before kick-off, uniting both sets of supporters and the global TV audience to raise awareness of the partnership through the power of football.

The Nike and (PRODUCT)^RED™ partnership invites people to ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ by purchasing a pair of (NIKE) ^RED laces. One hundred percent of its Nike’s profits from the sales of (NIKE)^RED laces goes to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which funds AIDS programs that provide medicine for those living with HIV, and football-based community initiatives that deliver education and understanding around HIV/AIDS prevention.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s match Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: “Arsenal Football Club understands the importance of the HIV/AIDS issue globally and with the world’s fans focusing on Africa in this World Cup year there is a great opportunity to make a real difference through the power of football in 2010.  Arsenal Football Club is proud to support the (NIKE) ^RED ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ partnership.”

On the (NIKE) ^RED partnership Arsenal’s Andrei Arshavin says: “If life gives you a little bit more than it does other people, then you must give something back. Football is the most popular sport in the world. It shows that everyone can help, regardless of where they are from.”

Leo Sandino-Taylor, Nike UK Head of PR & Communications said, “Nike has a proven history of elevating global causes through sport.  With the continued support of our athletes and clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United we can play a major role in amplifying this important issue.”

On 30^th November 2009 Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Andrei Arshavin (Arsenal), Denilson (Arsenal), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Lucas Neill (Everton), Clint Dempsey (Fulham) and Seol Ki-Hyeon (Fulham) joined U2 front man Bono at Niketown to announce the partnership between NIKE, Inc. and (RED).

(Nike)^RED laces are available to buy now at Nike Store locations and Nike Gallery on 4^th in Melville, and www.nikefootball.com/RED at a cost of R40.00 per pair.

London, UK (November 30^th, 2009) – On the day before World Aids day some of the world’s best footballers joined Bono at announcement of partnership between NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) and (RED).

This unique partnership delivers a two-pronged approach to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa by delivering funds to support programs that offer education and medication on the ground, and will harness the power of sport to engage youth around the world in the fight against AIDS in Africa.

In making the partnership announcement, Mark Parker, President and CEO of Nike Inc., Susan Smith Ellis, CEO, (RED) and Professor Michel D. Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS , Tuberculosis and Malaria were joined by footballers from around the world and U2 vocalist and (RED) co-founder Bono, to emphasize the need for global action and participation to eliminate AIDS  in Africa.

“The fight against AIDS in Africa needs great brands to drive awareness and engagement,” said Susan Smith Ellis, CEO, (RED). “Nike is the right partner to connect education with sport, and in so doing help drive social change, prevention and understanding of HIV/AIDS.  We are thrilled to have them with us.”

Nike has a proven history of elevating global causes to create consumer awareness and participation. “As a global brand and creative company, Nike can play a role in amplifying this important issue,” said Mark Parker, President and CEO of Nike Inc. “With football as the catalyst, Nike is joining the (RED) movement to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.”

The Nike and (RED) concept is a simple one that invites people to “Lace Up. Save Lives” by purchasing a pair of NIKE (PRODUCT)^RED™ laces.  One hundred percent of the profits from (NIKE)^RED laces will be split equally between The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which funds AIDS programs that provide medicine for those living with HIV, and Nike football-based community initiatives that deliver education and understanding around HIV/AIDS prevention.  This unique partnership delivers programs that both medicate and educate.

Progress has been made in the drive to reduce HIV infections in Africa, with fourteen countries reporting a decline in the prevalence of the disease. This is great news and proves the fight can be won. But AIDS remains one of the greatest challenges facing the world today.  An estimated 3,800 men, women and children die in sub-Saharan Africa every day, in addition to 6,000 new infections every day among 15-24 year old men and women.

“The (RED) Nike laces can tie athletes around the world together with people living under threat from HIV in Africa in a beautiful way,” said Professor Michel D. Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “Wearing these (RED) laces is a sign that you care about others – and it helps us to protect and treat millions of people who every day risk infection or struggle with the effects of HIV.”

“(RED) has created a sustainable way to engage business in funding the fight against AIDS in Africa on a grand scale. Its partnerships not only deliver funds to buy medicine to keep people alive but also provides the leverage needed for us to demonstrate to the public sector that this partnership works and to garner additional support,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Minister of Health of Ethiopia and Chairman of the Board of Directors, The Global Fund.  “The addition of Nike to the (RED) initiative will only strengthen this impact as it will help us take this message to millions of football fans around the world and engage them in this issue through their passion for sport.”

(NIKE)^RED laces will be available December 1^st at Nike Store locations and key retailers worldwide. In addition, (NIKE)^RED laces will be available at nike.com for purchase.   And additional (NIKE) ^RED products will be introduced in the coming months.

From a local point of view, Nike will be selling the laces in all Nike Concept Stores, and the Gallery on 4^th in Melville.

They will also have a number of athletes locally who will don the laces on field and showing their commitment to the campaign.

Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea),  Andrei Arshavin (Arsenal), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Denilson (Arsenal), Lucas Neill (Everton), Clint Dempsey (Fulham) and Seol Ki-Hyeon (Fulham), came together in London today to announce a partnership between NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) and (RED).