Thanks to Airtel, fans to watch Arsenal pre-season tour

FOLLOWING a three-year partnership between Airtel and Arsenal FC, lucky Rwandan fans will have the opportunity to win match tickets to watch this summer’s Gunners’ pre-season tour fixtures and receive exclusive Club content and news direct to handsets. In addition to the agreement, Airtel will be designated as the official mobile operator of the 2012 Arsenal Tour to Nigeria according to Airtel Rwanda Country Manager, Mr. Marcellin Paluku.Paluku said yesterday: “Football fans across Rwanda are known for their passion of the great game. Arsenal’s exciting style of play and a history of working with the best talent from Africa will enrich this partnership and offer a wealth of opportunities for upcoming players and fans. “The partnership provides an impetus to the Airtel Rising Stars programme in Rwanda,’’ added Paluku.Arsenal’s Head of Global Partnerships Vinai Venkatesham added: “I am delighted to welcome Airtel into our family of Commercial Partners. “This is the second long-term partnership arrangement to arise from the continent and we look forward to developing a number of exciting initiatives with Airtel, starting with our forthcoming tour of Nigeria in August. This underlines the depth of our following in Africa and how the profile of the Club continues to grow internationally.” It is the Club’s second pre-season tour in Africa, having played a fixture in South Africa in 1993. The 2012 visit will feature a game between the Arsenal first-team and the Nigerian National Team, the Super Eagles, on August 5. Airtel is in the process of finalising arrangements that will give selected customers a chance to watch the match and interact with the team in Abuja. The details of the promotion will be announced later.Late last month, Arsenal Football Club and Airtel signed a three-year partnership agreement. The deal provides Airtel with the opportunity to utilise the Club’s merchandising, hospitality and content rights in five countries, Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda.Arsenal will also support the Airtel Rising Stars football program, an annual, multi-country grassroots soccer initiative that offers young boys and girls the opportunity to play compete and showcase their talent to selectors in their respective countries. The selected youngsters will get an opportunity to get the best-in-class sports training during a residential clinic organized by Airtel and her partners.

Sports

Thanks to Airtel, fans to watch Arsenal pre-season tour