BE THE BALL: ADIDAS NEW ZEALAND KICKS MATCH BALL FOR FIFA WORLD CUP 2006 INTO ORBIT

At a launch in Auckland on Saturday [10 December 2005] adidas New Zealand, via agency Whybin TBWA, launched the match ball for FIFA World Cup 2006 by turning a ‘SKY SCREAMER’ into the match ball [+Teamgiest] itself.

Situated at the ‘Sky Screamer’ site in the heart of Auckland City, the 2.5m high ball sits in front of a giant billboard featuring Liverpool Captain and English team member Steven Gerrard, giving the impression the footballer is kicking the adidas match ball.

Designed to create impact and a true ‘Impossible is Nothing’ experience, adidas New Zealand Managing Director Greig Bramwell said the ball will let the people of New Zealand be part of the World’s largest sporting event.

“When the original concepts were developed, we felt it was important for people to experience the +Teamgiest, not just be there to look at. And so ‘Be the Ball’ was born. ‘Be the Ball’ lets people learn, interact and in a unique way enjoy what it is like to be kicked at over 170 Kmph by Steven Gerrard.

“When inside the ball the person will experience a true sound and visual experience.

“The ball was produced by firstly moulding fibreglass around a weather balloon. The ball was then built around an original Sky Screamer pod. We tested and tested and then again tested before being ready to launch.”

Produced by Whybin\TBWA Auckland as part of 180\TBWA alliance, ‘Be the Ball’ was modeled from the actual adidas +Teamgiest ball. The ‘Ball’ and billboard becomes the largest outdoor advertising site in the country.

The launch of the Match Ball follows adidas’ global launch of its campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2006: +10.

“The +10 campaign is purely about team, which is what adidas stands for. It is not about flashy individual demi-gods, it is about yourself plus 10 other team- mates who have a common purpose, working on the insight of ‘Together I am Strong’”, said Bramwell.

“In football, the match ball is the central focus outside of the players. Much emphasis has been placed on the ball and also the Predator boot to enable quality fusion between both products. Combined this fusion will assist the player to perform.

“Football in New Zealand is a key youth development sport. When World Cup fever arrives, New Zealand’s interest as a whole elevates enormously. adidas is hoping to bring the excitement of the WC06 to New Zealand in a unique grassroots fashion.”

New Zealanders can ‘Be the Ball’ from 10-27 December by buying any official adidas FIFA World Cup football or pair of adidas Predator football boots from any Auckland Rebel Sport store.