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Kampala, Uganda: The MTN Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of telecommunications giant MTN, donated more than UGX 200 million to Proline Soccer Academy at a press briefing today at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel. The donation was received by the Academy's patron, Julian Ferdinand.
The funds are going towards facilitating the Academy's work in soccer development and welfare of young children. The Academy established in 2006 is a soccer school of excellence with the principle aim of uplifting the standards of the game in Uganda whilst at the same time giving talented, under privileged boys a chance to make something of their lives. The Academy is run by Mujib Kasule, the Managing Director. At the press briefing, Mr. Kasule expressed the Academy's gratitude and appreciation to the MTN Foundation. He said, "As a former footballer myself, I gained values and skills from the sport that have enabled me to be the person I am today. I'm just grateful for the opportunity to be able to do the same for these young kids."
The MTN Foundation was represented by Maria Kiwanuka, a trustee of the Foundation, who reiterated the organizations commitment to the development of sports in Uganda. She said, "Sports has the power to generate goodwill and bring together people from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds uniting them in values also cherished by MTN; the pursuit of excellence, good sportsmanship, team spirit and a deep sense of belonging and community."
She went on, “The Foundation is following in the tradition of MTN and its support of sports and the development of sports in Uganda. Through MTN’s sponsorship of Uganda’s national team the Cranes, the company has been able to get the whole country excited and talking about football especially at this crucial time when the team is in the campaign to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2010 as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup.”
"The Foundation’s commitment to sports development reflects a desire to promote good health and a sense of personal achievement as well as the importance of teamwork, fair play and setting goals. It's these values and skills that Proline Soccer Academy aims to instill in the young children that will enroll in the academy, and we are happy to assist in any way we can" Kiwanuka added.
Julian Ferdinand, flanked by his son Anton of West Ham United and nephews commended the MTN Foundation for its generosity, vision and investment in the youth, their skills and talents.
About the MTN GROUP
Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications group, operating in 21 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: "MTN". As at 30 September 2009, MTN recorded 108,4 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. The MTN Group is a global sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and has exclusive mobile content rights for Africa and the Middle East. Please visit www.mtn.com andwww.mtnfootball.com
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