To commemorate the hosting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup 2015 and memorialize the passion of cricket fans from around the world, LG Electronics (LG) unveiled the LG 100 Greatest Fans Benches at a donation ceremony that took place in historic Hagley Oval, in Christchurch, New Zealand where 2015 Cricket World Cup opening match to be held on February. Presented at the donation ceremony were Phil Clearwater, Chair of the Infrastructure, Transport, and Environment in Christchurch City Council; Sir Richard John Hadlee, New Zealand’s cricket legend; David Richardson, CEO of the ICC, and Sang Chul Ivan Ha, Business Director of LG New Zealand.
The ten benches marked the culmination of the LG 100 Greatest Fans campaign, which offered a unique opportunity for cricket fans to show the world their passion and dedication to the game. In the weeks before the World Cup, fans vied to rank among the world’s greatest fans by uploading photos, videos, recordings, and messages on the official website of LG 100 Greatest Fans campaign (www.lg100greatestfans.com). They earned points toward the title by sharing their submissions on social media and whenever other fans voted for their submission.
After this competition, 14 top fans from each country received the title of the world’s most passionate cricket fan and receive two tickets to watch the final match live as well as flights and accommodations. The LG 100 Greatest Fans, including those 14 winners and other 86 fans, also had their names memorialized across a series of benches that would sit in the Hagley Oval. Also Pakistan with the biggest points will receive USD 50,000 worth of contributions from LG for their Youth Cricket program.
The LG 100 Greatest Fans Benches were designed as a tribute to the sport and to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. The armrests are fashioned after two wickets, each comprised of the regulation three stumps and two bails. Back support is provided by spindles in the shape of cricket bats — each plate is engraved with the name of the world’s most passionate cricket fans. The posts come together in two emblems, one sporting the official trademark of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and the other denoting LG’s contribution. Ten benches with ten plates in all, containing the names of the LG 100 Greatest Fans, will line the grounds.
Participating in the ceremony was cricket legend Sir Richard John Hadlee. To mark the occasion and commemorate his distinguished career, Sir Hadlee was made an honorary member of LG’s 100 Greatest Fans, affixing his signature to one of the benches. “It is only on the shoulders of our fans,” Sir Hadlee remarked, “that cricketers are able to rise to such heights.”
Official Council representative for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 New Zealand Councilor Phil Clearwater said “Benches which represent passion and support from all around the world for this great sport will have a great home here. Christchurch City Council is delighted to accept this generous gift on behalf of the city from LG Electronics. Having them here in Hagley Oval will be a fitting legacy to the ICC CWC 2015 and LG’s commitment to cricket and the community of Christchurch”
The LG 100 Greatest Fans campaign is LG’s latest fan program in a long history of valuable contributions to the cricket world. This year marks its 17th year in partnership with ICC, and LG is proud to have contributed to a campaign that recognizes the passion and enthusiasm that cricket fans around the world pour into the sport.
“We are honored to donate a series of benches, embedded with the passion of cricket fans from all over the world, to commemorate ICC Cricket World Cup 2015” said Wayne Park, Executive Vice President and Head of LG Electronics Global Sales and Marketing Company.