Ambassadors in Sports’ 18-hour soccer marathon to inspire bright young talent
PRESS RELEASE 
Johannesburg, August 23, 2011 – Footballers’ mettle will be tested on Saturday August 27, Ambassadors in Sport’s Match for a Day tournament. The event, to be held at the Legends arena in Randburg, involves 18 continuous hours of five aside football matches, with a “winner stays on” format.
Ambassadors in Sport Africa (AIS) is a non-profit organisation that aims to bring a message of hope and enable disadvantaged youngsters to achieve their full potential through the medium of football. Match for a Day is held annually in support of the Hope Academies, which are the primary project of AIS Africa. Situated in Soweto, the Drakenstein Prison in the Western Cape and throughout Africa, the Hope Academies provide an intensive football programme delivered by coaches who have received training from SAFA and UEFA. Lifeskills and educational assistance are also offered at the Hope Academies, with the aim of uplifting the children and giving them a chance at a better future.
Beginning at 6am, Match for a Day will incorporate a “best of both” format, meaning that while the “winner stays on” tournament is happening, teams that get knocked out will then get to play against the AIS All Stars. This team consists of AIS patrons, themselves football greats, such as the likes of Matthew Booth (?) and Ricardo Katza (?). The All Stars team will undergo the ultimate test of endurance – they will be playing continuously for the full 18 hours. All of the other teams will play for a minimum of two hours.
“The children who attend the LegalWise Hope Academy in Soweto will be participating in the Match for a Day tournament and we are hoping that they will learn more about teamwork and sportsmanship as they interact with the other teams,” said Tim Tucker, director of AIS. “We also hope that they will be inspired by the 18-hour performance by the All Stars team. If they see the determination of the team as they attempt to achieve the seemingly impossible, this may demonstrate that the huge obstacles they face in life, such as poverty and illiteracy, can also be overcome.”
The thrill of watching the players battle it out will be complemented by additional entertainment and a steady stream of prizes will be up for grabs.
Aside from providing a fun and challenging opportunity for footballers to show of their ball skills, the aim of the Match for a Day event is to increase awareness of and support for the AIS Hope Academies. Companies and organisations are encouraged to sponsor the Match for a Day tournament. All sponsors will have their brands advertised at the event.
For more information on the Match for a Day tournament, vist www.matchforaday.co.za and to find out more about AIS and the Hope Academies, visit www.ais-africa.co.za or www.aishopeacademy.com.
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Issued on behalf of: Ambassadors in Sport
Issued by: Pleiades Media
Editorial contact: Kerry Botha
Tel. No.: 083 263 0644
Email: kerry@pleiades.co.za