McDonald’s, SM launch soccer mania

McDonald’s and SM Supermalls have joined hands to create public awareness and drum up interest in soccer, the most popular sport in the world but has yet to gain wide acceptance here.

"McDonald’s is giving its all-out support for soccer," said Margot Torres, McDonald’s vice president for marketing, during the official launch of a campaign dubbed "Soccer Mania" at the McDonald’s Greenhills branch Wednesday.

"We really think soccer’s time has arrived and McDonald’s will make sure this sport is continuously promoted as part of our worldwide thrust," she added referring to the company’s official sponsorship of the Olympics and the recent World Cup.

SM has also come in as the main venue for the seven-month interactive, mall-based, soccer-themed event starting on Nov. 28 at the SM Clark. It will culminate on March 23 at SM Mall of Asia.

"With 28 malls nationwide, SM Supermalls is in prime position to introduce the sports to Filipinos because we believe soccer is a game that we can excel in internationally," said Roberto Decena of SM Supermalls.

"This is not a league, this is like creating interest in soccer by bringing it closer to the young kids through demos and clinics," said Rod Nepomuceno, managing director of event organizer Crush Philippines.

Also gracing the media launch were Arthur Lee of Gerflor Taraflex/Spurway Enterprises and Jude Turcuato of Solar Sports.

Other venues for Soccer Mania are SM Sucat (Dec. 1-3), SM Fairview (Dec. 19-21), SM Bacoor (Jan. 5-7, 2007), SM San Lazaro (Jan. 12-14), SM Baguio (Jan. 18-20), SM Cebu (Feb. 2-4), SM Iloilo (Feb. 16-18) and SM North Edsa (March 9-11).

Also supporting Soccer Mania are The Philippine STAR, Magic 89.9, NU 107, Chalk, Pink, MetroActive, Metro Magazine, Digiprint, Makati Football School and the National Capital Region Football Association.

For details, contact Crush Phils. at 893-1434 or through its e-mail at [email protected]