A panel of high profile judges led by actress Franka Potente, and including other celebrities such as Faithless front-man Maxi Jazz, world-class athlete Tim Lobinger, football-star Daniel van Buyten, acting shooting star Doreen Dietel and PUMA spokesperson Ulf Santjer will select the final dozen in April.

In May the 12 Adoptees will embark on a multi-city European tour. Here they will promote their home country in a unique and personal manner, helping to dispel myths and project a more realistic image of Germany. The Adoptees will record their exploits by personal blogs allowing them to interact with the citizens of the world and generate excitement and interest in Germany and this summer’s tournament. People all over the world will be able to decide which of the 12 they would like to “adopt” as their German.

Their final ambassadorial duties will be at the World Cup itself where they will take up permanent residence at Café MosKau, the PUMA hospitality house in Berlin. Here they will be available to meet and greet their newfound friends and fans at a series of events.

PUMA spokesperson, Ulf Santjer: “As the eyes of the world turn to Germany summer, the country will see hundreds of thousands of visitors. PUMA wants to help welcome these visitors and at the same time address some misconceptions about the country and its people.”

Casting Cube Adoptee Application Tour Dates:

The search criteria for the adoptee demands nothing other than a personality and a desire to keep the world entertained with anecdotes and updates on what their city and their country has to offer. Germans will be able to apply via visiting PUMA Casting Cubes at each of the following cities:

23. Feb LEIPZIG Augustusplatz
27. Feb HAMBURG Spitalerstraße 22
28. Feb NUREMBERG Jakobsplatz
01. March MUNICH Theatinerstraße 1 (PUMA Concept Store)
02. March STUTTGART Koenigsstraße 21 (PUMA Concept Store)
06. March FRANKFURT Zeil 72-82 (PUMA Concept Store)
07. March KAISERSLAUTERN Schillerplatz
08. March COLOGNE Schildergasse 107-109 (PUMA Concept Store)
09. March HANOVER Steintorplatz
13. March BERLIN Rosenthaler Straße 40-41 (PUMA Concept Store)

Germans can also apply by visiting www.adoptagerman.com

The final 12 adoptees will be announced in April.

B-Roll footage and images from the launch available at www.thenewshub.co.uk and www.thenewsmarket.com

The press conference will include the unveiling of the PUMA Charity Collection: the styles exclusively created for the cooperation will be premiered in a special fashion show. The new, limited edition PUMA
charity collection will donate a customer-transparent amount from each collection item to UNITED FOR AFRICA. The collection will be available from the end of May 2006 at 10 different locations nationwide, including PUMA Concept Stores.

As a special highlight of the cooperation PUMA and UNITED FOR AFRICA will present the UNITED FOR AFRICA retail entertainment tram: Equipped with special informative and interactive material, and an outlet for the UNITED FOR AFRICA Charity Collection, the trams will run on allocated routes around Berlin from the beginning of June to the middle of July, promoting the UNITED FOR AFRICA campaign. Countless events and shows with celebrity artists and sportspersons will take place during this time in both the trams and Berlin’s Café Moskau, PUMA’s football headquarters during the World Cup, providing the necessary publicity to raise awareness for UNITED FOR AFRICA.

Additional campaign merchandise include a music CD and a unique “coffee table” book “The African Game”: the CD, featuring music from African and Western artists, uniquely mirrors the fusion of African traditions and modern influences. The book, a cooperation between the Nigerian fashion photographer Andrew Dosunmu and the author Knox Robinson, is an affectionate and photographic homage to Africa and football. The book and CD will be available in PUMA Concept Stores, the trams and Café Moskau and in retail stores nationwide. The entire sales revenue for these products will benefit UNITED FOR AFRICA.

Video clips and photos can be downloaded at http://about.puma.com/newsroom. For your initial registration please use “PUMA / UFA Press Release” in the field “contribution info”.
If you have any further questions please contact us by e-mail: puma@thenewsmarket.com.

The starting point and the basis for the development of a screw-in stud boot is PUMA’s “ATOM” football boot, launched on the market by PUMA’s founder, Rudolf Dassler, shortly after the company was founded in 1948/49. After a two-year development period during which Dassler worked on his screw-in stud technology, as early as 1951 there were experienced players from a variety of leagues trialling the revolutionary innovation. One year later, PUMA commenced serial production of the new screw-in stud boot, the “SUPER ATOM”. The first deliveries of the PUMA screw-in stud boot to both leading sportsmen and the trade took place at the start of the 1952/53 football season in Germany, which saw them being used for the first time on the football field. Of the 1. FC Kaiserslautern team which won the German championship on 21 June 1953, a total of seven players were using the PUMA screw-in stud boot. These included Horst Eckel and Werner Liebrich, whose outstanding sporting achievements saw them included in the German national team. In 1953, as part of an advertising campaign, PUMA made reference to the successful use of the “SUPER ATOM” among Germany’s footballing elite.

In assessing the importance of this development for football, Georg Hetzler, a master craftsman who was making boots at PUMA right from the earliest days, states: ” The sporting world was, of course, pleased to see the screw-in stud appear on the market, as the earlier soles were dangerous for the player. Once the studs had worn down, the heads of the nails were left standing exposed. Of course the risk of injury was extremely high, but this was no longer the case with the screw-in stud boot. And that’s why this product was received so well everywhere.”

Then in the next football season in 1953/54, another version of the PUMA boot was launched on the market as a further development. The new model appeared under the name “BRASIL” and also featured the screw-in stud system which had proved its worth in the meantime. In the game which decided that year’s German football championship, played on 23 May 1954, a total of eight out of the eleven Hannover 96 players were wearing the new PUMA screw-in stud boot.

At the end of this season, PUMA launched another advertising campaign, this time highlighting the success of the newly developed “BRASIL” football boot. The headline caption on the advertising poster read: “And so it was in Hamburg in the deciding match of the 1954 German football championship – PUMA playing a part again!” There were also photos of the final match shown, featuring Hannover 96 players in their PUMA screw-in stud boots.

One member of the team, Rolf Gehrke, remembers using the PUMA screw-in stud boot: “We were really delighted to get the boot from PUMA when we did. The advantage of the screw-in stud boot was that it could be fitted with different studs for different weather conditions. Before the match every player could decide for himself whether he wanted to play with long, short or medium-length studs. This was PUMA creating a genuine revolution!”

PUMA has successfully come up with the historical evidence that as early as one year before the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland the company had become the first to introduce the screw-in stud boot into to the market under conditions of serial production. In so doing, PUMA has refuted the accepted version of the initial use of the screw-in stud boot, which had it that the suppliers of equipment to the German national team came up with the screw-in stud boot on their own for the World Cup in Switzerland.

Governing mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit commented: “I am happy to welcome Africa to Berlin today in this special way. My cordial welcome especially goes to the players of the five African World Cup teams, who are supporting the UNITED FOR AFRICA campaign. By supporting UNITED FOR AFRICA, the City of Berlin would like to express its solidarity with the people on the African continent. With your support, we are demonstrating the openness and solidarity of our city. Demonstrate your personal rejection of right wing extremist tendencies in Germany by showing your hospitality.”

Numerous celebrity supporters were present at the grand opening at Hackescher Markt. The stars of the African World Cup football team were demonstrating their football skills for charity, fashion fans made use of the opportunity to print their very own limited edition charity T-shirts and sports fans went one-on-one against leading film, radio and TV stars in a penalty shoot out. In addition to Daniel Brühl, Jasmin Tabatabai and Alexandra Maria Lara, photographer Hubertus von Hohenlohe and the American Jazz musician Keziah Jones supported the campaign with their unique talents and personal commitment. Also present at the event were Katrin Kortmann, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and representatives of several African embassies in Berlin.

“We are pleased and honoured to support the campaign UNITED FOR AFRICA in its initiatives and efforts”, said Jochen Zeitz, CEO of PUMA AG. “The Charity Tram with the PUMA Charity Collection UNITED FOR AFRICA is an innovative, unusual way to generate awareness and promote donations for Africa during the World Cup.”

The information stands at Hackescher Markt informed all visitors about the work carried out by UNITED FOR AFRICA. The aim of this event during the World Cup 2006 is to direct international awareness to Africa and African issues, to encourage and inspire people to face up to these topics and gather donations for the 5000 and more aid projects currently active on the African continent. In addition, the Goethe Institute Film Festival “Africa In Motion” was presented, which will amaze and excite football fans, Africa and cinema enthusiasts alike.

Susanne Anger, spokeswoman of UNITED FOR AFRICA said: “In addition to the work of the aid and humanitarian organisations, the UNITED FOR AFRICA campaign clearly aims to emphasize the opportunities and true potential which Africa has. With more than 5000 projects, the 30 aid organisations of UNITED FOR AFRICA actively help people in need every day. We are happy to have found such a strong and authentic partner as PUMA for our campaign.”

The UNITED FOR AFRICA Charity Tram runs on a central, specially planned route through the heart of Berlin and is advertising the campaign. The tram will attract attention by hosting numerous events featuring prominent artists and sports personalities and offer numerous opportunities to donate money to the charity. PUMA’s Charity Collection UNITED FOR AFRICA, also sold in the PUMA Concept Stores in Germany, will be available here for purchase, as will the limited edition World Cup outfits. The moment both wagons of the special event tram start moving, the motto until the 9th July 2006 is: GET ON IT!

Film material and photos can be downloaded at http://about.puma.com/newsroom. You will be redirected to the website www.thenewsmarket.com, where you will then be able to access the material free of charge. If you have any further questions please contact us by e-mail at puma@thenewsmarket.com.

“The long term partnership with the Czech National Team has been instrumental in the continued positive development of the PUMA brand in Czech Republic”, said Jochen Zeitz, PUMA CEO and Chairman. Confirming the team’s positive performances on the pitch, he added: “Both parties have a strong heritage in the world of football but, more importantly, continue to perform successfully today. We are delighted to extend the co-operation beyond the two upcoming major championships.”

The Czech National Team endorses PUMA’s statement product concept – the v1.06. In line with its ‘gets you there faster’ design objective, the v1.06 Czech Republic shirt uses a progressive minimalist design resulting in a modern and unique silhouette engineered to support players in their stride. An extreme lightweight solution the new playing shirt weighs as little as 100g. The v1.06 shirt utilizes the Kold Fusion technology, providing a stitch-less alternative to traditional cut and sewn shirts by welding together the fabric to form an incredible strong, light and durable molecular bond.

In an effort to honour and stress the individuality of each contracted national team, PUMA has designed a new graphic treatment iconic to each country. The Czech Republic shirt features a tonal print revealing the country’s national coat of arms. The new Czech Republic v1.06 licensed apparel training line and equipment offering further supports the playing kit.

As one of 12 PUMA teams represented at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the Czech Republic are looking to continue on the same momentum that saw them play some of the best football at the 2004 UEFA European ChampionshipÔ. Under the guidance of the team’s experienced coach Karel Brueckner, Czech Republic face Group E contenders Italy, USA and Ghana at Germany 2006™

Currently ranked 2nd in the FIFA rankings and coming in on the back of a fantastic display at the recent 2004 UEFA European Championships, it is clear that the Czech Republic is travelling to Germany as one of the odds on favourites to do well. The team fields a blend of hungry youth and clever experience all eager to make an impact on football’s biggest stage. Remarkably, the Czech Republic joins Angola, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Trinidad & Tobago and Ukraine on the list of World Cup debutants. A bit far fetched it might seem taking into account that Czechoslovakia has a proud record of eight World Cup appearances between 1934 and 1990, including runners-up spots in 1934 and 1962.

The reveal phase presents evidence that points to the secret source of this newfound football fervor. In a dramatic courtroom scene someone is being accused of having given fans and PUMA sponsored athletes an advantage.
In “The Trial” it comes to light that football great, Pelé, is in fact the man in question. Now, he must answer to a fictional governing body of football, the Global International Football Organization (GIFO). The contents of the packages given to the players are revealed and Pelé must respond to the accusations. In the closing moments of the TV spot, Pelé finally speaks and delivers a special message to the football world.
“The Trial” premiers worldwide on June 8 with 30, 60 second TV spots and is supported by print and outdoor formats, online and ambient media.

The “WILLKOMMEN ZUM FUSSBALL” TV ad campaign is directed by Tarsem – award-winning ad filmmaker and director of Hollywood blockbuster “The Cell” and the forthcoming film “Westworld”.

“I think everybody knows that PUMA is synonymous with football…I used to be sponsored by PUMA,” said Pelé. “Now we are back together and I am very happy to be a part of the family again.”

Pelé is synonymous with joy and entertainment. As such, the PUMA sponsored section within PeléStation pays homage to his prime attributes. Showcasing excerpts from PUMA’s dedicated World Cup™ advertising campaign; exhibition visitors are introduced to the evidence that confirm Pelé’s greatness as a player and as a person. This iconic football legend that brings passion and excitement to the game of football all over the world, is personified in just three words – “WILLKOMMEN ZUM FUSSBALL”. German for “Welcome to Football” these three words are more than just a campaign headline, they are a special message to the football world delivered by Pelé in the closing moments of a dramatic courtroom scene which perfectly embody Pelé’s attitude to the game that he single-handedly took to a different level.

“Love, passion and football are the three words that come to my mind when thinking about Pelé,” said Jochen Zeitz, PUMA Chairman and CEO. “We are inspired by Pelé’s presence and we are excited to be working with this remarkable football legend once again.”

Earlier this year the sportslifestyle brand and the football legend collaborated to reveal a Pelé signature collection for the Spring 2006 season, marking the football icons return to the fold and the start of a new relationship. PUMA celebrates this rejuvenated co-operation with Pelé by supporting PeléStation and ensuring that future generations honor the man who led and continues to lead by example on and off the pitch.

The PeléStation exhibition is at Potsdamer Platz and can be reached by PUMA’s UNITED FOR AFRICA Charity Tram. The Tram is part of PUMA’s “WELCOME TO FOOTBALL” circuit connects the PUMA Store (Hackescher Markt), PUMA HQ Café Moskau (near Alexanderplatz) and stops at Oranienburger Straße with a direct connection to the the PeléStation Exhibition.

PUMA will in the coming four years strive to strengthen its strong position in Africa. PUMA estimates the potential turnover in Africa at four times higher than today’s turnover and it will considerably tap into this potential over the next five to six years. With an impressive portfolio of more than ten PUMA-sponsored African national teams, PUMA is already indisputably the most visible football brand in Africa.

On the occasion of his visit to Africa, PUMA CEO Jochen Zeitz was delighted to start the PUMA countdown to 2010 today at a press conference in Johannesburg. “Only 1,295 days left until the 2010 World Cup. PUMA is very proud to be the official kit supplier of over 10 African teams and is already certain to make a strong mark at the first World Cup ever set on African soil.”

“The World Cup 2006 might not be over yet – but the work on our part is accomplished. We have not only reached, but surpassed our aim for this year’s World Cup. Now, it is time for us to move on to the next project: the World Cup in Africa”, says Zeitz.

Economic interests alone do not drive PUMA’s long-term commitment on the African continent. PUMA actively supports the development of African football with aid projects such as football camps. To deepen ties, PUMA announced two months ago its cooperation with the charity campaign United for Africa, the most significant aid organization for Africa in Germany, with whom PUMA will jointly gather donations and awareness.

PUMA has gained brand visibility throughout 56% of the tournament, making PUMA the most prominent brand in terms of visibility – that being, in 36 out of the 64 games at least one PUMA team was present, equating to 54 hours of on-pitch action.

PUMA was also among the top three brands in terms of player presence on the field, with 18% of all players wearing the most innovative speed proposition product line v1.06, which has received an outstanding response from players and teams alike. Exceptional sell through reports in all markets led to the football performance turnover rising by approximately 40% compared to 2005.

“Not only have we reached, but by far surpassed our goals for our brand at the World Cup. We have significantly strengthened our strong position as one of the worlds leading football brands and made unparalleled impact with our innovative performance products”, comments Jochen Zeitz.

Off the field, PUMA’s activities during the World Cup have been centred in Berlin at their specially created CAFÉ MOSKAU headquarters. The venue has offered public viewing for every match and a showcase of live entertainment ranging from underground music acts to international stars such as AKON and Basement Jaxx who are set to perform on 9 July. Since the start of the tournament the CAFÉ MOSKAU has been noted as the alternative place in Berlin to watch football and described by The “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” as being the “football cathedral chosen by the in-crowd of Berlin” (FAZ, June 22, 2006).

PUMA’s leading position in African Football has been underlined with the charity campaign with UNITED FOR AFRICA, an organisation that supports over 30 charities and 5000 projects. With a transparent amount of funds directly benefiting the African people, PUMA launched an entire charity collection of clothing and lifestyle products and integrated the charity campaign in all German Concept Stores. The creation of a unique UNITED FOR AFRICA charity tram surprised locals and visitors in Berlin with it’s entertainment and retail offering and cooperation with the GOETHE INSTITUTE which hosted an onboard African film festival.

PUMA’s partnership with German national airline DBA saw a total of 27 aeroplanes prominently display the brand message “WILLKOMMEN ZUM FUSSBALL” and has been clearly visible in the airports of each of the twelve host cities. The Spree river in Berlin hosted the PUMA boat, a floating football pitch and beach bar which, with the hot summer weather has been a huge success among all fans who wanted to view the games outdoors.

WILLKOMMEN ZUM FUSSBALL is the biggest global marketing campaign in the company history with Pelé as the figurehead character of the advertising campaign. Overall, PUMA is highly satisfied with the results achieved at the World Cup.

“We have once again proven that PUMA is deeply embedded in the world of football. We intend to continue this course, starting on Sunday at the final with Italy, and carrying on through the European Cup in 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, both guest hosts being sponsored by PUMA, pushing through until the World Cup 2010 in South Africa where we will once again be the most dominant brand in African Football. With the Italians as one of the top favorite teams we will enter the world cup in South Africa with either a world champion or a runner up”, says Jochen Zeitz.

PUMA previously announced that preparations are already underway for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. With an impressive portfolio of more than ten PUMA-sponsored African national teams, PUMA is already indisputably the most visible football brand in Africa.

„Italy´s victory is the glorious final of an incredibly successful World Cup for us“, says Jochen Zeitz, PUMA CEO. „We assume, that the football performance turnover rose by approximately 40% compared to 2005”, he comments. The brand visbility at this Word Cup not only strengthened, but cleary expandend PUMAs position as one of the top 3 football brands in the world.
PUMA will now produce new kits with four World Cup Stars, which will be available in PUMA Concept Stores starting next Monday, July 17. Furthermore, PUMA will start an international advertisement campaign, congratulating the Italian team to their World Cup victory. The ads will be printed in high profile newspapers such as the “Financial Times”, “Gazzetta dello Sport”, “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”, “De Telegraf”, “L´Equpe”, “Neue Zürcher Zeitung” or “The Times”.
„This is a great starting position in terms of the European Cup in 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, both guest hosts being sponsored by PUMA, pushing through until the World Cup 2010 in South Africa where we will once again be the most dominant brand in African Football. With the Italians as one of the top favourite teams we will enter the World Cup in South Africa with a World Champion”, says Jochen Zeitz.

“The announcement of the long-term partnership with the Cameroon Football Association underlines PUMA’s commitment to support African football. Africa will be the center of attention with the African Cup of Nations in 2008 leading up to the 2010 World Cup™ in South Africa”, says Jochen Zeitz, CEO of PUMA AG.

With an Olympic Gold from Sydney 2000, crowned African Champions four times (1984, 1988, 2000 and 2002) and the first ever African team to qualify for the World Cup™ quarterfinal in Italy in 1990, Cameroon is a powerhouse in African football as well as in the World of Football.

With an impressive portfolio of ten PUMA-sponsored African national teams, PUMA is already indisputably the most visible football brand in Africa.