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MT 16 March 2014

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Events 42 maltatoday, Sunday, 16 March 2014 HSBC Malta endorses President's Awards for Voluntary Work 2014 Hyundai Motor Announces Iker Casillas and Ricardo Kaká as Brand Ambassadors for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Dreams achieved at the Vodafone Malta Marathon That 'everyone is a winner through voluntary work' emerged as a recur- ring theme at the third edition of the President's Awards for Voluntary Work, held at Verdala Palace and organised with support from HSBC Malta Foundation. This theme un- derscores the intrinsic value of vol- untary work for the benefit of all society. The President's Gold Award for Voluntary Work 2014 went to David Debattista for his dedicated work within the 'Third World Group', a not-for-profit NGO. The prestigious award includes a €6,000 donation from HSBC Malta Foundation. Mr Debattista will be using this to help children and elderly people in Peru, including the setting up of educa- tional programmes for children. Pamela Muscat received the Silver Award for Voluntary Work 2014 in recognition of nearly a decade of voluntary work offering support for children with disabilities and in- cluding the setting up of the ADHD Support Group. The Bronze Award went to Noel Aquilina for his long-term com- mitment to voluntary work and his involvement in the founding of the 'Breaking Limits' group through which youths with disabilities or- ganise various activities to promote awareness in various areas such as wheelchair sports. HSBC Malta CEO Mark Watkin- son said: "Many unsung heroes offer their time and energy wholeheart- edly to others through voluntary work. Voluntary work is an intrin- sic value within our community. It brings respite, support, and hope where it is most needed and drives positive change all around. This dis- tinguished award recognises these individuals and celebrates their out- standing contributions." HSBC Malta Foundation leads an extensive Corporate Sustain- ability drive, which emphasises and encourages participation from the bank employees, with a special focus on supporting disadvantaged children, the environment and Mal- ta's rich cultural heritage. The bank's Foundation has been a pioneer of Corporate Social Re- sponsibility Day, held annually on 19 March for the past 13 years. CSR Day involves hundreds of employees from different companies, who on this public holiday work together to assist various worthy causes and caring in- stitutions across Malta and Gozo. Hyundai Motor Company, the of- ficial partner of the Federation In- ternationale de Football Association (FIFA), today announced that it has selected Spaniard Iker Casillas and Brazilian Ricardo Kaká as its world- wide Brand Ambassadors for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. "We are very excited to announce these legendary football stars as our World Cup Ambassadors," said Mr. Tak Uk Im, Executive Vice Presi- dent and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Hyundai Motor Company. "Through Casillas and Kaká, we hope to share the passion and excite- ment of the tournament with every corner of the world, while once again showcasing Hyundai Motor's com- mitment to the world's most popular sport." Casillas, currently goalkeeper with Real Madrid C.F., has participated three times in the FIFA World Cup and is considered one of football's greatest keepers. Likewise, Kaká, a midfielder with A.C. Milan, has also played in the FIFA World Cup three times and was awarded the 'FIFA World Player of the Year' and the 'Ballon d'Or' in 2007. The Brand Ambassadors will play a central role in building relationships between Hyundai Motor and foot- ball fans through a broad range of marketing activities this year. Activi- ties will include television and print advertisements, digital marketing programs and on-site events. Hyundai Motor's partnership with FIFA began in 1999 and is currently set to run until 2022. Hyundai Mo- tor has successfully supported major events such as the FIFA World Cup in Korea-Japan (2002), Germany (2006) and South Africa (2010), as well as other competitions such as the FIFA Confederations Cup. The successful sponsorship of international football has contributed greatly to Hyundai Motor's strong and continuously-im- proving brand awareness and image. Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casil- las Fernández, 32, joined his club in 1999. He was in Spain's National Team at Euro 2000 and for Spain's World Cup participations between 2002 and 2010. He was awarded 'Best Goalkeeper' at the 2009 LFP Awards, received the 'Adidas Golden Glove' Award at 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa and is ranked 2nd in IFFHS 'World's Best Goalkeepers of the 21st Century' in 2012. Brazilian Ricardo Kaká, 31, cur- rently plays for A.C. Milan and has been part of Brazil's National Team from the 2002 to the 2010 FIFA World Cups. In 2004 and 2007 he was awarded Lega Serie A 'Player of the Year', in 2007 he received the 'UEFA Best Player in Europe Award', 'FIFA World Player of the Year' and 'Ballon d'Or'. In 2009 he was award- ed the 'Adidas Golden Ball' at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. The Vodafone Malta Mara- thon has been yet another day to remember, especially to those eight lucky win- ners who had won a training programme in preperation for the half marathon back in November. Malta was painted RED for the day and the atmosphere at the Sliema Ferries finish line was elec- tric. All participants were out in force, at the starting line, along the route and most of all at the finish line. "Crossing the finish line in one piece was one of the best moments of my life," smiled MarieClaire Cremona, one of the participants who fin- ished the half marathon. "I have never felt so much hap- piness and relief in all my life and I will treasure that mo- ment forever. I would like to thank Vodafone for giving me the opportunity to be guided by such a professional team. My dream has finally come true!" "The Vodafone Malta Mara- thon is yet another testimony of what a great company we work for," said Sandro Pisani, Head of Marketing at Voda- fone, who also ran the half marathon. "It is moments like these that makes us feel proud that we are part of Vodafone and I would like to thank all the persons that were in- volved in making the event such a success. Getting to the finish line and celebrating our success of the first Voda- fone Malta Marathon togeth- er with family and friends and other employees made the pain fade away and all the experience worthwhile." Back in November, Voda- fone teamed up with a group of professionals and par- ticipants were trained by a number of trainers from Ki- netika Fitness Centre, guided by sports nutritionist Joe Sci- berras of NutriSlim, health Psychologist Dr. Elaine Dut- ton and geared up with the required clothing by Urban Jungle. San Michel and Pow- erade also provided drinks to each participant. This year, the Vodafone Malta Mara- thon saw a record number of participants, with over 3,600 walking, jogging and running the route whilst chasing and achieving their dream! International lifestyle brand, Esprit has recently refur- bished its 600-square metre flagship store at The Point. The works were completed with the help of Esprit's store designer Danilo Dreyer, who travelled to Malta exclusively to assist in the refurbishment work of the store. The store is the first of the three Esprit outlets in Malta, and one of the first outlets in- ternationally to be revamped. The refurbishment is in align- ment with the company's plan to re-establish Esprit as the leading inspiring fashion brand with a clear identity and sustainable profitability. In line with this strategy, the compa- ny has recently also recently recruited top executives from the fashion industry to rein- vigorate the Esprit brand, thus ensuring continued consumer engagement and loyalty. Following the refurbishment, the Esprit outlet at The Point is imbued with soft, woody, delicate colours. Moreover, in keeping with the ever-chang- ing world of fashion, new lines of clothing have been added to the brand's offering, further adding to Esprit's fresh new representation in the global fashion market. This creates a unique shopping experi- ence with warm, cosy spaces where customers can explore the brand's stylish new collec- tions. This chic celebration of style, culture and fashion aims to revive customer awareness and take people on a journey of discovery into the inspiration- al world of Esprit. The store now also comprises of a new denim division which raises the bar in quality, washes and finishes. Esprit has long been consid- ered as one of the most suc- cessful lifestyle brands in the world and has become one of the most successful brands lo- cally too. Effortless style, au- thenticity and easygoing living are at the heart of the brand philosophy. These positive values shine through at every level, from the laid-back tailor- ing and hand-crafted details to the made-to-last quality, use of natural materials and respon- sible production. International designers bring the brand's charisma and energy to life with inspiring collections for women and men. There is something stylish and unique for every occasion from con- temporary and relaxed casual basics to the perfect dress for life-defining moments, be it at work or play. The brand has a presence in over 40 countries with more than 900 directly managed retail stores and over 8,500 wholesale points of sale, in- cluding franchise partners and sales spaces in department stores, who share the com- pany's quality standards and brand essence. Esprit offers its customers the smart, afford- able luxury of being able to en- rich their lives with something special and something new, which always corresponds to the current tastes and styles. Thus, it is no wonder that Es- prit ranks among the brands with the most loyal regular customers. (from left) HSBC Malta CEO Mark Watkinson, Pamela Muscat, David Debattista, the President of Malta Dr George Abela, HSBC Malta Foundation Chairperson Catherine Gonzi, and Noel Aquilina Zak Micallef, Norman Mifsud, Norman Aquilina, Joelle Azzopardi, Nadine Farrugia, MarieClaire Cremona, Sandro Pisani Esprit outlet at The Point refurbished

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