Johannesburg – 1 October 2024
Partnering with the Pride for a further three years, The Golden Arches will continue to advance and support all those in #ThePrideOfJozi eco-system from grassroots to greatness.
Lions Cricket and McDonald’s South Africa proudly confirmed at the Season Launch the extension of their current partnership from the grassroots programmes right up to the professional ranks. Together, the brands will ensure that the communities in which they serve receive the coaching, education, and holistic support they need to succeed.
The renewed partnership will focus on sustaining and expanding the social impact of the collaborative efforts of both Lions Cricket and McDonald’s. The ‘Cubs to Lions’ synergy is all about fostering growth and inspiring excellence through increased participation in cricket, emphasizing the importance of education and enriching the lives of those they touch when passing through the programmes.
“McDonald’s have supported us in every possible way,” smiles Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright. “We have aligned on our social impact outside of the boundary ropes and have delivered beyond what we set out to. Our players have loved the partnership too, serving the customers at various outlets and enjoying their time away from the game. We’ve loved being a part of the activations as well as the Ronald McDonald House of Charity events, the Red Socks Supplier Golf Day and really just enjoyed creating awareness and family love. As a Union, we were extremely excited to continue together so as not to lose momentum and the impact made on people’s lives outside of cricket.”
Greg Solomon, CEO of McDonald’s South Africa, expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing collaboration: “At McDonald’s, we believe in making a positive difference in the communities we serve. Our partnership with Lions Cricket has been more than just a sponsorship; it has been a journey of shared values and mutual success. Together, we have not only supported the professional growth of players from grassroots to the professional ranks, but we have also impacted lives beyond the boundary ropes. This renewal is a testament to our commitment to continue delivering excellence, fostering dreams, and creating opportunities for the youth of South Africa. We are excited about what lies ahead and look forward to further strengthening our relationship with Lions Cricket.”
The iconic Golden Arches will remain a proud symbol on the kits of players at all levels, from youth teams to the professional ranks, reinforcing McDonald’s commitment to the sport and the broader community.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the partnership is the McDonald’s Family Grass Embankment, an area dedicated to enhancing the matchday experience for families and fans, says Leaf-Wright;
“As with all that we do, we aim to enhance that family experience together this season and beyond, adding even more fun to what’s already in place namely our face painters, balloon-makers, a band and non-stop activities for kids.”
Additionally, McDonald’s and Lions Cricket will collaborate on more community-centric events and activities, focusing on wellness, education, and keeping kids active.
Padding up for the future, the partnership will continue to inspire and uplift, creating tangible and impactful changes to those touched by the game, inside and outside of the boundary ropes.