Sony Ericsson lines up as sponsor for Singapore vs China football friendly

Contributed by Carolyn Soh

Singapore, August 11, 2009 - With a mission to spread the entertainment, Sony Ericsson has teamed up with The Red Card Pte Ltd to present the inaugural National Day Challenge on Wednesday 12th August 2009. This is a treat for Singapore football fans to not only catch the Singapore Lions in action against the People's Republic of China, but to celebrate the Nation's birthday with a difference.

"It is terrific that we have Sony Ericsson on board as the presenting sponsor for this national celebration. We plan to add the Kallang Roar to the annual National Day festivities by bringing in more international teams annually," said R. Sasikumar of The Red Card Pte Ltd.

Sony Ericsson, the Official Mobile Phone Handset of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the title sponsor of the Women's Tennis Association, has been passionate about bringing entertainment experiences to life for consumers. At this year's National Day Challenge, the mobile communications entertainment pioneer takes a step further and shares the energizing national sports experience with the underprivileged.

Sony Ericsson, The Red Card Pte Ltd and the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) will host 22 disadvantaged children aged six to 12 from Beyond Social Services. Their first up-close experience of football, the children will be player escorts for the National Day Challenge. Students and families from the Singapore Sailing School have also been invited to the National Day Challenge by Sony Ericsson to add support for the Lions.

"We are proud to be part of this inaugural event, celebrating Singapore's National Day with Singaporeans as well as entertaining fans of the game. At Sony Ericsson, we believe in spreading the entertainment to everyone no matter where you go and who you are. As football is a national sport, it is the perfect platform to spread excitement and happiness to the local community, children from Beyond Social Services and the Singapore Sailing School," said Mr Hirokazu Ishizuka, Corporate Vice President, Head of Asia Pacific Region at Sony Ericsson.

The National Day Challenge 2009 presented by Sony Ericsson has also confirmed a whole host of other supporting partners to back the Lions in celebrating the nation's birthday. Rendezvous Hotel Singapore will be the headquarters for both teams during the lead up, with Singtel, NTUC Club's U Sports and Fiji water as supporting partners.

Tickets are now on sale priced at $10 for Gallery Seats $15 for Grandstand seats, student concessions at $2 and seniors at $5. Tickets are available at Jalan Besar Stadium South Entrance till August 11th. Tickets will be available on match day at the National Stadium only from 5pm. NTUC Club members get 20% discount of full priced tickets.