Category: Sports

DHL delivers the future of motorsports to Beijing

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Formula E, in cooperation with DHL and its other partners, yesterday announced the Beijing ePrix, the world’s first fully electric racing event. DHL, Official Logistics Partner and a Founding Partner of the FIA Formula E Championship, also delivered the Spark-Renault SRT_01E race car which was introduced to the Chinese public for the first time during the inauguration event at the Pangu hotel in Beijing. The logistics company transported the racer from the UK to the Chinese capital and will also deliver cars and further racing equipment to the inaugural Beijing ePrix on September 13.

“We’re proud to support Formula E on their way to form a new exciting motorsport and forge the path to more sustainable transport solutions”, said Wu Dongming, Managing Director of DHL-Sinotrans and Executive Vice President of DHL Express Asia Pacific, at the event. “In its more than three thousand year history, Beijing has been the origin of much educational, cultural and technological advancement. Which other city would be better suited to the launch of a new era of motorsport?”

As well as Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag, the event was attended by YU Zaiqing, Former Deputy Director of the Ministry of Sports, Vice President of IOC and President of FASC, LI Yingchuan from the Beijing Sports Bureau, CHENG Lianyuan, General Secretary of CHAO YANG District, Steve Lu, Team Principal of the China Racing Formula E Team and members of the press.

DHL is the first international logistics provider to set itself a measureable carbon efficiency target. It is the Group’s goal to increase its carbon efficiency by 30 percent by 2020 through various initiatives, including more efficient aircraft, use of sustainable fuels and alternative vehicles such as hybrid cars. For the transportation of the Formula E racers, DHL’s specialist motorsports team works with the Championship organizers to employ efficient transport modes as well as carbon measurement and offsetting tools. The team has over 30 years of experience in motor sports logistics.

7-Eleven Adds Sprite 6 Mix by LeBron Jame to Its All-Star Roster of Slurpee Flavors

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As summer heats up and the hardwood action reaches a fever pitch, 7-Eleven is exclusively introducing a game-changing flavor to its Slurpee all-star roster — Sprite 6 Mix by LeBron James Slurpee.

Sprite 6 Mix by LeBron James Slurpee was inspired by the first, limited-edition Sprite flavor developed in partnership with a pop-culture icon. Combining the refreshing taste of traditional Sprite with natural cherry and orange flavors, the thirst-quenching frozen treat is just in time for summer.

“The all-new Sprite 6 Mix by LeBron James Slurpee is the latest way we’re elevating our decade-long partnership with LeBron to a new level,” said Kimberly Paige, Associate Vice President, Sprite Brands, The Coca-Cola Company. “It’s been a great experience working with LeBron to create a unique and refreshing Sprite flavor. And, we’re eager to extend the innovation of Sprite 6 Mix by partnering with 7-Eleven to offer our fans an ice-cold Slurpee drink just in time for summer.”

Fans can download the free 7-Eleven mobile app for iPhone or Android platforms to receive a coupon for a free small Sprite 6 Mix by LeBron James Slurpee. Beginning June 9, the coupon will be available through the savings section of the 7-Eleven app and valid while supplies last. Additionally, Sprite and 7-Eleven are launching an Instagram-based photo contest. Participants can enter to win prizes from Sprite and 7-Eleven by entering photo challenges with their Sprite 6 Mix by LeBron James Slurpee in hand. Prizes will include autographed LeBron James jerseys and autographed Sprite 6 Mix cans, as well as 7-Eleven gift cards and free Slurpee drinks for a month. (Official rules here: slurpee.com/Sprite6mixcontestrules)

“7-Eleven is known for creating innovative and unexpected Slurpee flavor offerings,” said Nancy Smith, 7-Eleven’s Senior Vice President of Fresh Foods and Proprietary Beverages. “In a long tradition of Slurpee milestones, Sprite 6 Mix by LeBron James Slurpee really stands out because it’s the first to tout a major professional athlete’s name. Fans can use a coupon from our 7-Eleven app to enjoy their first taste of what is sure to offer a delicious break from the summer heat.”

McDonald’s Kicks-Off FIFA World Cup With New, Augmented Reality Trick-Shot App

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Customers around the globe will soon notice something different at McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD). Starting next Monday, the brand will change the look of its iconic red French fry packaging globally with bold, new artwork to celebrate the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brasil. In addition, the new fry boxes will be the key to “unlocking” a new Augmented Reality (AR) app that will reward customers with an engaging, virtual trick-shot challenge.

“This is the first time in brand history we’re changing the packaging design of one of our customers’ most favourite menu items on a global scale, and what better reason than to share in the excitement of one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world,” said Steve Easterbrook, Senior Executive Vice President and Global Chief Brand Officer of McDonald’s. “This is about bringing fun, innovative programming to our customers and celebrating our shared love of futbol. We’re excited to be able to do that through an engaging, interactive mobile experience, and of course with our World-Famous Fries.”

The redesign will treat customers and futbol fans with an exclusive collection of original street art that reflects the beauty and passion of the game of futbol. Twelve artists from around the world were chosen to create the special new designs, which will canvas McDonald’s Medium and Large fry boxes in the majority of company-owned and franchised restaurants worldwide and trigger the downloadable app, entitled “McDonald’s GOL!”

Customers can download the app and begin play as soon as they have their specially-designed fry box in-hand. It’s as easy as holding the screen of their mobile device up to the front of the box. As the device recognizes the artwork, a futbol pitch will appear in an AR scene on the screen, with the fry box as the goal and other built-in objects as obstacles. The idea is to “kick” the ball with the flick of a finger and divert or use obstacles to get the ball into the goal.

Created for McDonald’s in collaboration with Qualcomm Connected Experiences, Inc. and Trigger, the app brings a truly new mobile play experience to customers using the Qualcomm Vuforia mobile vision platform. This app showcases the Vuforia platform’s new cutting-edge Smart Terrain feature, representing a technology breakthrough that allows users to build their own play spaces using everyday objects.

“Our digital vision at McDonald’s is to bring an entirely new level of everyday convenience and fun to the world, and our Augmented Reality app is just one example of how we are bringing fun to our customers’ lives,” said Atif Rafiq, McDonald’s Chief Digital Officer. “We are very excited about the numerous opportunities in front of us to bring even more innovative digital experiences to our customers in ways only McDonald’s can do.”

“McDonald’s GOL!” will be compatible with most Android and Apple mobile devices and will be available for download in the Google Play store and Apple App Store starting on May 26. Instructions for download will be available on the back of each specially designed fry box or can be found on gol.mcd.com. The new fry boxes will be available throughout the duration of the 2014 FIFA World Cup while supplies last.

The artists showcased on the specially-designed fry boxes include:

  • Australia: David Spencer, Artwork Title – ‘The Perfect Kick’
  • Brazil: Eduardo Kobra, Artwork Title – ‘O mundo unido pelo futebol’ (translation: ‘The world united by football’)
  • Canada: Mügluc, Artwork Title – ‘Unite Together’
  • China: Hua Tunan, Artwork Title – ‘World of Victory’
  • England: Ben Mosley, Artwork Title – ‘Fans of the World’
  • France: Skwak, Artwork Title – ‘The Maniac Football Party’
  • Germany: Roman Klonek, Artwork Title – ‘Freaky Fan Club’
  • Japan: Doppel, Artwork Title – ‘Kick the One’
  • Russia: Egor Koshelev, Artwork Title – ‘The Perfect Goal’
  • South Africa: Adele Bantjes, Artwork Title – ‘Heart of the Game’
  • Spain: Martin Satí, Artwork Title – ‘Flamenco Number One’
  • USA: Tes One, Artwork Title – ‘Formations’

A number of marketing and communication activities are planned to support this program. This includes the online release today of a lively video that features real-life futbol trick-shot talent from around the world.

McDonald’s has been an Official Sponsor and the Official Restaurant of FIFA World Cup for 20 years. Other activities planned to bring the excitement of the Tournament to life worldwide include:

  • McDonald’s Player Escort Program

McDonald’s will provide 1,408 children (ages 6-10) from 69 countries worldwide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the thrill of the Tournament and walk hand-in-hand onto the pitch with their futbol heroes. This marks the largest number of countries participating in the program since McDonald’s first began sponsoring it in 2002.

  • McDonald’s Ultimate FIFA World Cup Football Fan

McDonald’s will bring together some of the most passionate fans from around the world with the “ultimate” trip to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Customers selected as a McDonald’s Ultimate FIFA World Cup Futbol Fan will have the opportunity to attend matches, have their photo taken with the FIFA World Cup Trophy, have VIP treatment at exclusive parties during Tournament, and more. Each market determines the criteria and selection process for their selected fans.

More detailed information on our sponsorship and activation programs, including fact sheets and visuals, can be found by visiting our online media newsroom.

Sprite and LeBron James Team Up to Reward Dedicated Individuals Who Change The Game

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For over a decade, LeBron James has made a massive impact on the basketball court, and this summer, he is partnering with Sprite to change the game off the court for four deserving fans.

Through the Sprite 6 MixTM by LeBron James #ChangeTheGame contest, Sprite will award an aspiring musician, a visual artist, an entrepreneur and a civic leader with a tailor-made educational experience. James will select one game-changer to receive a $50,000 grand prize. The contest is a celebration of the launch of Sprite® 6 Mix™ by LeBron James, a limited-edition flavor of Sprite created in partnership with the superstar. Sprite 6 Mix is available nationwide in convenience retail stores.

People ages 18 – 30 who are changing the game through music, visual arts, entrepreneurship or community involvement can enter by creating a YouTube video. The video should be 90 – 180 seconds in length detailing their passion and aspirations within their field. Participants should complete their submission by posting the YouTube URL on Twitter with the hashtag #ChangeTheGame. Each video will be judged for creativity, originality, quality of submission and the entrant’s plan to use the $50,000 prize. LeBron James will get in the game by personally choosing the grand-prize winner.

“Over the years, LeBron James has proven himself a great role model by changing the game on the court and off,” said Kimberly Paige, Associate Vice President, Sprite Brands, The Coca-Cola Company. “Through the Sprite 6 Mix by LeBron James #ChangeTheGame contest, we look forward to joining LeBron and rewarding individuals who relentlessly pursue their passion and thirst for success in their craft. We can’t wait to be inspired by some very creative video submissions.”

Before James selects the ultimate winner, a judging panel from Sprite will select four finalists and provide each with a game-changing learning experience tailored to his/her respective field. The learning experiences include a mentoring session with a civic leader for the community involvement finalist; a meet-and-greet with a record label executive or an opportunity to attend a performance for the music finalist; a mentoring session with a business executive for the entrepreneurial finalist; and the visual arts finalist will have the opportunity to display his/her work on Sprite.com and on a custom Sprite item.

Adidas Originals By Rita Ora FW14

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Rita Ora

Spinning adidas Originals a new line with a fresh take on classics infused from one icon to another, the debut FW14 adidas Originals by Rita Ora collaboration sees the brand with the three stripes hook up with an award-winning pioneer of stage and style.

Known as much for her fearless take on fashion, as for her head turning musical collaborations, Rita Ora has carved herself a pedestal for her energy and original spirit.

Now Ora collaborates with adidas Originals in a 3 season collaboration, a match brought about by a mutual admiration for breaking the rules and our shared rebellious natures.

Rita says: “The collaboration came about through mutual love and appreciation. I have always been a fan of adidas Originals and respect what they stand for in their fearlessness and originality. I worked very closely with adidas Originals to put a personal touch in every piece with connections to my music, my career and my life. I’m really proud of the collection and beyond excited for my fans to get their hands on it!”

For FW14, expect heritage classics carved up, recut and emblazoned in bold graphics and vibrant colours, brought to life by the hottest name in music at the moment.