EXP wins a Bronze Loerie Award for PR campaign
They were awarded the Loerie for their PR execution of the MTN8 Last Fan Standing Campaign.
There were nine entries shortlisted in the PR Communications Category and EXP received one of only four awards issued in this category.
“The Loeries are considered the crème de la crème of Advertising and Marketing Awards in South Africa, and so we are extremely honoured to have been nominated in a category amongst industry leaders, and to have won the Bronze,” said EXP PR Director, Yolanda Arendse.
“This also being the first time in the history of the Loeries that a PR Communications category has been included and the first time we’ve ever entered the awards, makes winning this Loerie all the more special,” said Arendse.
The MTN8 Last Fan Standing campaign was devised to ensure that the competitive element of football transcends the football field and that the excitement, energy and euphoria that are part-and-parcel of professional football are not experienced solely by the players. The campaign achieved this by rewarding the ultimate fan a FIFA World Cup experience to watch 38 matches live over 31 days during 2010. Not only did the fan set a new Guinness World Record for the most matches watched during a FIFA World Cup, but the story was also documented extensively through 480 articles both locally and in 62 countries internationally, with a total AVE of over R29 million.
“The win is a particularly noteworthy achievement for EXP because the Loeries traditionally recognise Advertising agencies. Our client MTN also had the foresight in allowing us to go ahead with this “big idea” and we are glad to see the creative concept developed by our agency being recognised beyond our own industry,” said Sandile Ndzekeli, EXP South Africa CEO.
EXP was also voted Sports Agency of the Year and received the award for the Best Use of PR in a Sports Campaign for the MTN8 Last Fan Standing campaign at the inaugural Virgin Active Sports Industry Awards held earlier this year.
(L to R) Exp at the Loeries: Gina Killian, Clint Paterson, Yolanda Arendse, Struan Campbell.
For further information, contact:
Yolanda Arendse
Cell 083 440 2031
Email: yolanda.arendse@expagency.biz
A new Lion joins the Pride
Lions Rugby today announced the signing of Springbok 2007 Rugby World Cup winner, fly-half Andrew “Butch” James. Currently playing for Bath in the English Aviva Premiership, Butch returns to South Africa in May this year, to play for the Lions for the next two seasons, after four seasons with Bath.
“When Guma/TAC decided to invest in the Lions, Ivor and I made a commitment to enhance our young team with Springbok quality players. The purchase and signing of Butch, who has represented South Africa 40 times as a Springbok, is perfectly in line with our vision.. Our aim is to create opportunities for South African players who play overseas to return home and play for a franchise that recognises their ability and professionalism and that can continue to earn on an international scale. This provides us as well as South African Rugby access to world class players,” said Chairman of the Golden Lions Board , Robert Gumede.
Gumede and fellow Lions shareholder Ivor Ichikowitz have been in discussions with Bath Rugby Club since October last year when they travelled to Europe to open discussions and have only praises for the owner and chairman, Bruce Craig and CEO Nick Blofeld of Bath Rugby Club.
“We’ve worked closely with the Bath Management who have hosted Robert and I at their new facility and thank them for their co-operation and professional manner in which they handled the negotiations which will ensure that Butch gets as much local game time as possible as we build towards the World Cup. We believe that Butch has what it takes to fit in well at the “Lions’ Den” and that he has immense value to add,” said Ichikowitz.
Butch, a member of the team that won the 2007 World Cup for South Africa, is excited about his return and is committed to being part of the new Lions’ vision going forward.
"I’m proud to be returning to South Africa and to be joining the Lions but at the same time sad to be leaving Bath after four successful seasons - The Lions vision excites me and I’m also very keen to be part of the Springboks for the World Cup again. Being able to contribute to the sport of rugby with a franchise that has this level of commitment to transformation and growth of the game is an opportunity I want to be involved in.
With the new energy injected in the Lions, new shareholders on board and a new sponsor in MTN, it is exciting times at the Lions, and I’m really honoured to be joining them," said James. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bath Rugby for their support. I have enjoyed my time with them and take with me fond memories of the Club, the supporters and my team mates.
Coach John Mitchell is looking forward to Butch’s arrival: “Butch comes with a wealth of experience and has tremendous value to add to the Lions. I’m really looking forward to working with a player with Butch’s caliber and experience. I’ve always believed in developing youngsters as part of the expansion process and exposing them to experienced mentors such as Butch.,” said Mitchell.
Deputy President of the Golden Lions Rugby Union, Neville Jardine also had only praises for Butch:
“It is no secret that we’ve been speaking to Butch and we are both honoured and humbled to have a player of his caliber and vast experience joining the Lions. We are indeed awakening our pride, by signing players of this calibre. One can only feel pride, and have high hopes and expectations for the future,” said Jardine.
For further information visit www.lionsrugby.co.za
