The Barclays Premier League turned (RED) this weekend to raise awareness of the 'Lace Up. Save Lives' campaign.
A specially designed Nike (RED) ball was used in all matches from Saturday 13th to Monday 15th March.
Cesc Fabregas, Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, Fernando Torres and other stars wore Nike (RED) laces in their boots during the matches to show their support for the campaign which invites people to 'Lace Up. Save Lives' by purchasing a pair of Nike (RED) laces.
One Hundred per cent of the profits from nike (Red) Laces is split equally between good causes
Dynamic Ball
Half of the money will go to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria which funds AIDS programs that provide medicine, treatment and services for those living with HIV.
The remainder will fund football-based community initiatives which deliver education and understanding around HIV/AIDS prevention.
The Nike (RED) ball is a special T90 Ascente - the same make of ball currently used in the Barclays Premier League.
It boasts all of the technological innovations that the players are accustomed to week in week out, but features the RED laces graphic on the exterior.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "The Nike (RED) 'Lace Up. Save lives' is a fantastic initiative that helps a lot of people and the special edition ball is an exciting way to highlight this. It is a very dynamic ball that grabs your attention. The players here at Arsenal love it."
Significant Impetus
Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive of the Premier League, said: "The Premier League has enormous global appeal and we are committed to using our reach to raise awareness of this partnership between, Nike, one of our longest serving commercial partners, and (RED).
"A red ball and red laces are simple ideas, but sometimes those are the best
- the hope is that the profile given through this and the money raised through 'Lace Up, Save Lives' will provide significant impetus and funding to the Global Fund's activities to aid the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Africa.
"Football has a particular resonance in Africa, especially the Barclays Premier League, and our support for this campaign is part of our wider commitment to coaching, education and other good cause investment right across the continent."
Seb Bishop, International CEO (RED) said: "(RED) works with the most iconic companies in the world, Nike among them. We are incredibly thankful for their partnership, as well as the support of one of the most iconic football leagues in the world."
Mark Parker, President & CEO of NIKE, Inc. added: "Nike has a history of elevating global causes through sport. Through the power and appeal of football, this campaign not only highlights the HIV/AIDS issue globally, it has also created a great way to raise much needed funds."
Click here to listen to Arsene Wenger speaking about the 'Lace Up. Save Lives' campaign >
