Introduction
In our wish for a successful hosting of the 2002 FIFA World Cup and reunification of the Korean peninsula, EKF held a collection campaign to send soccer balls to North Korean children.
Held from May 10 to December 30, 2001, the campaign was an opportunity to show Korean people that the interest of European companies doing business in Korea is not only confined to the area of economy but extends to other social areas. The campaign also served to deliver a message of peace for reunification.
Programme
With the campaign kick-off ceremony on May 10, 2001, the Korean and the French national football teams held autograph sessions on May 24 and May 28, respectively. Then from June 11 to July 3, soccer balls signed by Guus Hiddink and members of the Korean and French national football teams were sold in online auctions.
With the funds generated through these events, the EKF delivered soccer balls and other sporting goods to the North Korean government in January 2002.
The EKF campaign to promote inter-Korean reconciliation and health of North Korean children yielded remarkable results.
EKF would like to express its sincere gratitude to European and Korean companies and individual sponsors for their strong support.
Messages of Support
General Secretary of FIFA, Michael Zen-Ruffinen
"We are pleased to note the initiative that your organization is taking in order to promote football throughout North and South Korea."
FIFA Vice-President, Dr. Chung, Mong Joon, and Co-Chairman of KOWOC, Lee, Yun Teak
"KOWOC is very pleased to participate in this significant event, and sincerely hopes that the event will help contribute to the development of football in North Korea and to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula."
Head Coach of the Korean National Team, Guus Hiddink
"As the Head Coach of the Korean National Team, I hope that this initiative will help the development of football for young kids wherever they play, and that's why I support it."
Delegation of the European Commission, Head of Delegation, H.E. Frank H. Hesske
"Is there a better way to break down barriers and to foster friendship than to promote the ultimate world sport-soccer? I would like to whole-heartedly wish the EUCCK initiative full success. May the largest possible number of North Korean children benefit from this timely initiative."
