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Nelson Mandela Foundation receives 2010 World Cup final match ball
The former South African head of state's Centre for Memory at the Nelson Mandela Foundation received the match ball as an honour
Oct 13, 2011 8:31:00 AM
The official match ball used in the final of the 2010 Fifa World Cup has found a home – it is now in the possession of one of the world's biggest icons, Nelson Mandela.
The Jo'bulani ball used in the match between World Cup champions Spain and Holland will no longer be kicked around; it has found a special place in the Centre for Memory at the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Officials say they made changes to the gold on the ball, making it look like Egoli (Johannesburg) to express the city of gold.
The ball has been named Jo'bulani (the original 2010 balls were named Jabulani), in honour of the city of Johannesburg.
Former marathon world record holder and two times Olympic 10,000 metres gold medallist Haile Gebrselasssie of Ethiopia handed over Jo'bulani to the Foundation.
Madiba could not receive the ball in person. Gebrselassie was declared an international ambassador for Mandela’s humanitarian and charitable project and was given a silver 46664 bracelet.
Gebrselassie told the press conference that Mandela was his hero. "He's taught me a lot," he said. "He's not just the father of Africa, he's the father of the world."
The Jo'bulani ball used in the match between World Cup champions Spain and Holland will no longer be kicked around; it has found a special place in the Centre for Memory at the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
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Officials say they made changes to the gold on the ball, making it look like Egoli (Johannesburg) to express the city of gold.
The ball has been named Jo'bulani (the original 2010 balls were named Jabulani), in honour of the city of Johannesburg.
Former marathon world record holder and two times Olympic 10,000 metres gold medallist Haile Gebrselasssie of Ethiopia handed over Jo'bulani to the Foundation.
Madiba could not receive the ball in person. Gebrselassie was declared an international ambassador for Mandela’s humanitarian and charitable project and was given a silver 46664 bracelet.
Gebrselassie told the press conference that Mandela was his hero. "He's taught me a lot," he said. "He's not just the father of Africa, he's the father of the world."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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