Ethiopian Airlines gets behind 2014 African Nations Cup UK

Monday 28th April 2014

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's expanding national carrier, has been named as the official tournament sponsor of the African Nations Cup UK (ANCUK). One of the biggest community football tournaments in the UK and supported by the Football Association (FA), the African Nations Cup UK which is now in its sixth year, attracts thousands of spectators and involves 20 participating African countries. The new sponsorship deal will see the tournament being branded as 'The Ethiopian Airlines African Nations Cup UK'.

Mohammed Ali, Senior Sales Representative of Ethiopian, joined dignitaries and representatives from African Embassy's Shouldn't this be Embassies? in the UK at an event on April 17th as the all-important draws took place at Wembley Stadium. The FA Head of Inclusion and Community Development, Kevin Coleman conducted the draws with assistance from two celebrated African stars, Pauline Long, a renowned UK Pan African TV presenter and Erick Ochieng, a professional boxer from Kenya.

Commenting on the airline's support of the ANCUK, Mohammed Ali said: "We are proud to be involved in this initiative and to support good community cohesion through football, especially amongst the African Diaspora Community. We fully support the tournament and look forward to a mutually successful relationship."

Tournament preliminaries will start on 31st May at West Ham Memorial Grounds with the finals taking place on 14th of June 2014 at Terrence McMillan Stadium, Plaistow. The tournament will be supported by entertainment activities at the venues and will include food stalls, drinks and music from renowned local African DJ's and artists. Entrance to all football matches will be free of charge with the exception of the final where admission will be £5 for adults and £2 for children.

Running in parallel with the African Nations Cup UK an under 15 youth tournament will also be held between the 8th and 14th June 2014 for the first time. Countries playing in the inaugural event will be Uganda, Nigeria, Somalia and Morocco.

About Ethiopian Airlines:

Established in 1945, Ethiopian is the fastest growing airline in Africa, offering daily services aboard its ultra-modern fleet to 48 African destinations and very short connections through its Addis Ababa hub. Connections on the African continent include popular holiday destinations such as Zanzibar, Mombasa, or Kilimanjaro and schedules to growing business centres such as Lagos and Johannesburg.

www.ethiopianairways.com

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