OC Media Information

Johannesburg, 28 June 2009

The Closing Ceremony of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 is a musical celebration of football and a heartfelt tribute to all those who have contributed and shared in the tournament's success.

The ceremony flashes back to the opening of the tournament, celebrating the most memorable moments in the competition including the fans, the teams and the national enthusiasm. It honours the participation of competing countries and acknowledges that this tournament is being hosted by South Africa on behalf of the entire African continent.

The Ceremony has been produced by the VWV Consortium which is comprised of the VWV Group and Till Dawn Entertainment and, associate producers, Jack Morton Worldwide.

The ceremony's stirring musical score, composed by Lion King South Africa co-producer Lebo M, is performed by 150 voices from three local church choirs, namely Unisa/Amazwi Kantu, Soweto Melodic Voices and Sacred Heart Melodies.

Well known South African musicians take the lead with moving solo performances bringing the theme song to a soaring crescendo. Soloists include Afro-pop star Ntando, award winning Jazz diva Judith Sephuma and one of the country's best selling artists, Steve Hofmeyer.

The singers are accompanied by 150 drummers who beat out a thunderous rhythm and 20 professional dancers who enliven the show. The dancers, all from Johannesburg, were hand picked by well known South African choreographer Somizi Mhlongo.

Taking advantage of the evening setting of the Closing Ceremony, the producers have incorporated creative lighting to make the ceremony a spectacle of light, colour and technology. A highlight of the show is the large ball suspended above the field that displays iconic images from the tournament such as supporters' displays of passion, formidable goals and memorable saves by the tournament's star goalkeepers.

VWV Group CEO Abey Mokgwatsane says that the closing ceremony is an important opportunity for South Africa to leave a lasting impression on the world.

"The ceremony is an important platform for South Africa to say something to the world. Our statement is that we have celebrated soccer, we have hosted the world on our soil and now we thank those who have helped make the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup a success."

In a poignant moment after tonight's final, the 12-year old great granddaughter of South African icon Nelson Mandela, Zenani, will carry the FIFA Confederations Cup trophy on to the pitch and place it on the podium shortly before it is presented to the winning team.

*Issued by the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) Communications Division

For further information please contact:

OC Chief of Communications, Rich Mkhondo, E-mail: rich.mkhondo@2010oc.com, Mobile: +27832010254

OC Media Manager, Jermaine Craig, E-mail: jermaine.craig@2010oc.com, Mobile: +27832010121

OC Content Coordinator, Marisa Berndsen, E-mail: marisa.berndsen@2010oc.com, Mobile: +27832010225

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