UN agency partners with world rugby competition to highlight chronic hunger

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today announced its new advocacy partnership with the biggest international rugby competition to draw attention to the plight of 800 million people around the globe impacted by chronic hunger.

“This is a great chance for WFP to reach the Rugby World Cup’s 3.1 billion global audience and educate them on the pressing needs of world hunger and our efforts to combat it,” said John Powell, FAO’s Assistant Executive Director for Fund Raising and Communications.

The Rugby World Cup 2003 is scheduled to take place from 10 October to 22 November in Australia, with 20 national teams competing for the sport’s biggest prize. The “Tackle Hunger” partnership – aimed at sending a message to fans through in-stadium visibility, on-line information and television vignettes – is the first non-profit affiliation in the 16-year history of the World Cup.

“Success in rugby can only be achieved by team work, and tackling hunger is a team effort. Rugby World Cup is eager to be a major communications and fund-raising opportunity for WFP in the years to come,” noted Mike Miller, Chief Executive Officer of the International Rugby Board and Managing Director of Rugby World Cup Ltd.