DIGICEL ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ONCE IN A LIFETIME FOOTBALL FRENZY PROMOTION TO GO TO SOUTH AFRICA

-       One Turks and Caicos Islander will join 37 other Digicel winners from across the Caribbean to travel to South Africa in July

Wednesday, June 2^nd  – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: Digicel, the largest mobile operator in the Caribbean and official regional broadcast sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2010, yesterday announced the winners of its “Make the Team” promotion which gives one Turks and Caicos Islander the prize of a lifetime.

The “Make the Team” promotion – which gives winners an all-expenses-paid trip to see the final football game live in Johannesburg, South Africa - ran for eight weeks and culminated on Tuesday evening in an exciting grand draw during a live broadcast at Digicel’s flagship store in Providenciales.

Digicel-sponsored TCIFA Representatives were also present to mark the momentous occasion. The prize - which includes all flights and transfers from Providenciales to South Africa, accommodation in a luxury hotel on a game reserve, spending money, a safari tour, polo shirts and tickets to the  final - comes to a total value of US$30,000.

Winner of this once in a lifetime Digicel promotion, Charlene Astwood, said: “I’ve been a Digicel customer for a week now after purchasing a blackberry – but I never dreamed I’d be heading to see the greatest teams in the world play each other in the world’s most prestigious tournament. I’d like to thank Digicel for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime trip and fantastic opportunity – I’m really excited about being in beautiful South Africa watching the beautiful game!”

Digicel TCI CEO, E. Jay Saunders, said: “Digicel’s commitment to the development of football began in 2004 and since then has evolved throughout the Caribbean with numerous sponsorships from grass roots right through to national level.

“Today we’re delighted to be giving our valued customers this once-in-a-lifetime trip to witness the world’s best teams play against each other in the biggest footballing event in the world in South Africa next month.”

FIFA Vice-President and CONCACAF President, Jack Warner, said of the prize: “In just a few short years, Digicel has become the biggest supporter of football in the Caribbean and Central America. As well as sponsoring football federations and leagues across the region, Digicel has been instrumental in developing football clinics with renowned international coaches for aspiring young footballers.

“I am delighted that Digicel is giving football fans across the region the chance to witness football’s showpiece which takes place only once every four years and will be a fantastic opportunity to witness the crème de la crème of footballing talent,” he said. 

Digicel has been involved in a wide range of football initiatives designed to support the development of football in the Caribbean and Central America over the last six years. Today, Digicel has operations in 32 countries worldwide and sponsors 17 National Football Federations and leagues, as well as the Digicel Caribbean Cup and the Copa de Naciones Digicel in Central America.

Digicel also spearheads the Digicel Kick Start Clinics in the Caribbean and Central America, which offer young footballers the opportunity to train with renowned footballers such as Liverpool legends, John Barnes and Ian Rush, as well as the chance to spend one week with UK Premier League Clubs, Sunderland AFC and Manchester City.

The local broadcast coverage in TCI can be viewed on WIV Channel 4.

Digicel Make the Team Promotion Finalists:

Charlene Astwood                  Grand Turk – Winner

Angela Williams                      Providenciales

Darcel Williams                       Grand Turk

Steve Dallas                            Providenciales

Simeon Donald                       Providenciales

Thomas Watkins                     Providenciales