IMG Reliance and the I-League join hands with India Unite To End Polio Now Campaign

Company Brief

Mumbai, October 22, 2011

IMG Reliance and the I-League have joined hands with the polio eradication campaign “India Unite to End Polio Now” (IUEPN). On opening weekend of the I-League,(October 22nd and 23rd 2011) there will be an awareness campaign in Kolkata and Pune which will include distribution of t-shirts, visors and banners to fans at I-League matches in Kolkata and Pune.

The India Unite to End Polio Now (IUEPN) campaign is an initiative implemented by Aidmatrix Foundation, and supported by UNICEF and a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), World Health Organization (WHO), National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP), Rotary International and U.S. Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

The I-League kicks off on October 22, 2011 and runs until the end of April 2012. Fourteen teams participate in the League which comprises 182 matches across 26 rounds.

UNICEF Polio Eradication Communication Specialist Rod Curtis appreciated the I-League and IMG Reliance’s support towards India's fight to rid the country of this crippling disease. "Every child has the right to walk, to run, to play and be healthy," Mr Curtis said. "For far too long, polio has been crippling children and we are now in sight of a polio-free India. We can and we must eradicate this disease by immunizing all children under five during every polio immunization round. We must all work to save our future champions by reaching our goal of a polio-free world."

Speaking on the initiative a spokesperson from IMG Reliance stated “Given its popularity across all ages, the game of football provides an ideal platform to educate the public on the challengesand steps involved in eradicating Polio. IMG Reliance is proud to associate the I-League with the ‘India Unite to End Polio Now’ campaign which is a remarkable effort to secure the health and well being of the future of India”

“As India’s premier football tournament, the I-League is pleased to partner with the Polio Eradication Campaign and fully support the activities of the India Unite To End Polio Now Campaign. Through the support of our clubs and broadcast partner, the profile of the 2011-2012 I-League season should be greater than ever before and we’re delighted to use this platform to create awareness among the fans about the cause of eradicating polio in the country,” stated an AIFF Spokesperson.

Participating matches -

Saturday, 22nd October

• Pune FC vs Shilong Lajong - Pune

• East Bengal vs Churchill Brothers - Kolkata

Sunday, 23rd October

• Indian Arrows vs Mohun Bagan Ac – Kolkata

• Air India vs Mumbai FC - Pune

For further information, please contact:

IMG Reliance

Asha Majithia

Mobile: +919967707950

Email: asha.majithia@imgreliance.com