International Football/Soccer Friendlies turn (NIKE) RED - March 2nd & 3rd

Yesterday’s Brazil v. Ireland match was just one of the many international friendlies that happened over the last couple of days. Football players from all over the world - from Korea to the Ivory Coast, to the USA and Netherlands, to Portugal and China, and Belgium and Croatia - tied on (NIKE) RED laces and put on (NIKE) RED track jackets for their mid-week international friendlies.

The laces are more than a symbol. Each pair of laces purchased supports the Lace Up Saves Lives campaign created to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa using both education through sport and medication through The Global Fund.

Led by (NIKE) RED's global ambassador Didier Drogba, who took to the field in London against Korea today, athletes the world over are capitalizing on the increased attention on South Africa and the greater African continent to prove that football can indeed be much more than a game, and that the passion surrounding sport can be harnessed for the greater good.

Red netting was also used in the goals for some of the matches and a special (NIKE) RED ball was used during some of the game to highlight the partnership.

Learn more about Lace Up Saves Lives.