Four local companies have combined to kick $3.3 million into the T&T Soca Warriors 2010 South Africa World Cup campaign. This was disclosed by Jack Warner, Fifa vice-president and T&T Football Federation special advisor yesterday.
Warner added: “At the end of the day, this campaign will do much more than create a nation of Soca Warriors fans rooting for the home team, but also create that crucial sense of belonging to a special place, a home, T&T.”
Warner described the programme which he says will change how sports will be promoted as interactive and dynamic and one that will create a buzz. Colin Murray, Carib Sponsorship and Events manager boasted that his company is happy to be involved in the “The Warriors Within” programme. We hope that this programme will inspire all Trinbagonians, to sound the battle cry, and to summon the largest gathering of support for football in the country.” “We believed four years ago when we became the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup Finals in Germany, and we are proud to say that we have not stopped believing as we vie for a place in South Africa.
“The people of this country must show the same courage, the passion, the pride, the heart, the strength and energy as our Soca Warriors.” He added: “As the official beer of the Soca Warriors, Carib will run promotions at bars nation-wide. We say “Drink Carib Beer and support our Soca Warriors.”
The more Carib you drink the more you support the team and by doing so supporters can win cash, free home games tickets and free Carib Beer under your crown, in the new “Cash in Your Carib Crown” promotion. Nicole Ramdhanie, marketing manager of KFC said T&T stood on the brink of repeating history by becoming the first English-speaking Caribbean nation to play in back-to-back Fifa World Cup Finals.
“The road to South Africa will be a long and winding, but we at KFC firmly believe that we have the talent, heart and spirit to overcome any obstacles in our path.” “You are all aware of KFC’s support over the years for the efforts of national teams, be they football, cricket, cycling or other national endeavours. This is because of our unwavering support for national development, one that we are extremely proud and which we intend to continue, added Ramdhanie.” Sekou Mark, general manager Corporate Banking of First Citizens also stressed the need for T&T to make its appearance at World Cup Finals a regular occurrence. “We have made history, but now its time to create a tradition, one of excellence and continued success.
“Our partnership with the T&TFF for—The Warrior Within—2010 campaign stems from our desire to give back,” he said. Mark said when First Citizens was first approached with the proposal, they knew it was their duty to inspire support and enthusiasm for the Soca Warriors. “The South Africa 2010 campaign is a unique opportunity for each of us to embrace one of the few nation-building events, especially in these uncertain times,” said Mark.
William Powell, chief marketing manager, Telecommunication Services of T&T added that for T&T to be in a position to qualify for back-to-back World Cups speaks volumes for the testimony and volume for their efforts in development.
“The journey to South Africa is not for the faint of heart. The programme conjures up the kind of passion you need at any time in the team as they go into battle on the road to the World Cup. As part of the promotional drive of the Soca Warriors, Hema Ramkissoon, Concacaf Communications officer added that six images featuring members of team under the themes, I am Passion, I am Pride, I am Energy, I am Courage, I am Strength and I am Heart will be used to communicate national messages. Each theme carries its own pledge which according to Ramkissoon is a reflection of the T&T public.