The opportunity to combine education and sport into one healthy message has not been wasted on organisers of the Ridley Polocrosse World Cup 2007. This week they announced their latest promotional partnership is with McDonalds.

McDonalds is the latest big brand to support the prestigious sporting event to be held 23:29 April 2007 at Morgan Park, Warwick, on Queensland's Southern Downs.

World Cup Chairman Mr Les Fraser confirmed that they had specifically targeted McDonalds to sponsor the two free school children's days at the start of the competition. See www.polocrosse.com.au/worldcup/about_schools.htm#.

Mr Fraser said, "Obviously for a world-class event we wanted to partner with a market leader but one with a local commitment. For this part of the sponsorship programme we also wanted a brand that was a good fit for our school days. McDonalds met all those criteria and the fact that they have also been a leader in developing a range of healthy menu options, was a plus for sports people."

The deal focuses on the operations of McDonalds Warwick and neighbouring Stanthorpe. The timing of the World Cup promotion complements McDonald's new Pasta Zoo product to be launched early in 2007.

McDonalds franchisee Mr Trevor Burton added, "We have a strong tradition of supporting community events and Polocrosse has particular appeal to us because it is such a strong family sport. Through this sponsorship we will be able to help educate more school children about the heritage values of this sport, which is effectively Australian-made, and now internationally played."

Event organisers recognise the power of McDonald's promotions and advertising machine in the region to help spread the word about April's World Cup. In return, organisers will be able to direct some of their expected 40,000 visitors to stop at McDonalds during their world cup visit.

The Ridley Polocrosse World Cup will be held at Morgan Park, Warwick on Queensland’s Southern Downs 23:29 April 2007. See www.polocrosse.com.au/worldcup.