Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Sponsors "Dupont Festival: Soccer in the Circle," Boosts World Cup Fever in D.C.

WASHINGTON, June 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington D.C. area residents will get a taste of the World Cup experience this Saturday, June 12, when the Dupont Festival: Soccer in the Circle kicks off at Dupont Circle Park. Two large screens will be available for a full day of soccer celebration in the heart of the city, with cultural activities and giveaways scheduled along with three highly anticipated matches: Greece x South Korea (7:30 am), Argentina x Nigeria (10 am) and England vs the United States (2:30 pm).

"UNICA is thrilled to be part of this celebration of the 2010 World Cup. We're here to enjoy the game, which Brazilians have embraced so fanatically, but also promote a product that the country has also embraced, sugarcane ethanol. This clean, renewable fuel has replaced more than 50% of gasoline needs in the country. We hope to raise awareness about its environmental, economic and energy diversity benefits," said UNICA's Chief Representative for North America, Joel Velasco.

Several other attractions will entertain the expected crowd of more than 4,000, including a dance crew performing Diski, a South African Rhythmic way of playing soccer. The Screaming Eagles, supporters of the U.S. Major League Soccer team D.C. United, and former U.S. national soccer team star Eddie Pope, will also be on hand. A variety of prizes will be drawn, including VIP tickets to a DC United match and an official 2010 World Cup soccer ball, the "Jabulani" by Adidas.

Organizers of the event are excited about UNICA's contributions and have posted information about the Brazilian cane industry's involvement on the event's Facebook page. According to one of the key organizers, Aaron DeNu, "We wanted to give a huge shout out to UNICA for pitching in big to help make this event happen. They are also doing great things for the environment with alternative fuels." Another organizer, Michael Lipin, reiterated that, "We would not have made it this far without UNICA."

ABOUT UNICA:

The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) represents the top producers of sugar and ethanol in the country's South-Central region, especially the state of Sao Paulo, which accounts for about 60% of the country's sugarcane harvest and of total ethanol production. UNICA develops position papers, statistics and specific research in support of Brazil's sugar, ethanol and bioelectricity sectors. In 2009, Brazil produced an estimated 598 million metric tonnes of sugarcane, which yielded 33 million tonnes of sugar and 25.5 billion litres of ethanol, making it the number-one sugarcane grower and sugar producer in the world, and the second-largest ethanol producer on the planet, behind the United States.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Ana Carolina Lessa - (202) 550-3140 - [email protected]

SOURCE Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA)

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