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Manchester United legends to visit Thailand to help raise funds for UNICEF

BANGKOK, March 29, 2011 – Manchester United legends Bryan Robson and Andrew Cole will be on a mission in Thailand, Malaysia and Hong Kong next month to help the club raise funds of £1 million for UNICEF operations around the world.

In Thailand, the two players will attend “Manchester United Foundation and UNICEF Legends Charity Dinner in Association with Turkish Airlines” at Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in Bangkok on April 6. A number of unique Manchester United items will be up for auction. All of the proceeds raised from the auction will be given to UNICEF to help disadvantaged children in Thailand.

Robson will also visit Baan Phumvej Reception Home for Boys in Nonthaburi on April 6 to learn about UNICEF support for children who have been abused or trafficked.

Thailand is the first stop for Robson and Cole on their fundraising mission in Asia. Their next stops will be to Kuala Lumpur on April 8 and to Hong Kong on April 10.

“The United for UNICEF partnership began in 1999 and has already raised more than £2 million (approximately THB$99.7 million) for UNICEF global operations,” said John Shiel, Manchester United Foundation Chief Executive. “Supporting the next generation is one of Manchester United’s most important goals.”

“As Bryan and Andrew join us for our Asian fundraising tour, we call on all our fans in Thailand to be a part of the cause. Together we can unite for children in Thailand.”

UNICEF Thailand Representative Tomoo Hozumi said: “UNICEF is working towards the realization of children's rights in Thailand and is delighted that the Manchester United Asia Dinner in here will be raising money for the well-being of disadvantaged children in Thailand."

In Thailand, UNICEF is working with the Thai government and other partners to ensure that all children go to school and receive a quality education. UNICEF is also working to ensure that children are registered at birth and are protected from trafficking, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The United for UNICEF partnership has benefited a large number of children in Asia and around the world. In Asia, the partnership includes school construction in Myanmar, the reduction on the impacts of HIV in Vietnam and Malaysia and the protection of women and children from trafficking in China and Thailand.

The fundraising mission will give Manchester United fans the opportunity to meet two of Old Trafford’s greatest heroes: Bryan Robson, or known as ‘Captain Marvel’, the longest serving captain
in the club’s history and current manager of the Thailand national team; and Andrew Cole, the second-highest goal-scorer in Premiership history.

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About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF has been working in Thailand for more than 60 years. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work in Thailand, please visit: www.unicef.org/thailand

For more information on Manchester United Foundation, please visit www.mufoundation.org or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manchesterunitedfoundation.

For table bookings, please contact Melanie Ho at bookings@prplus.com.hk or +852 2575 6995.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact Melanie Ho at melanie@prplus.com.hk or +852 2575 6995.

About the Manchester United Foundation
Manchester United Foundation was formed to celebrate 50 years of the Club playing in Europe. It aims to use the passion for Manchester United to educate, motivate and inspire young people to build a better life for themselves and improve the communities they live in. The Foundation delivers football coaching, skills training, personal development and life changing experiences; providing young people with opportunities to change their lives for the better. Through football, the foundation encourages young people to develop as players and more importantly, as people.

About United for UNICEF
Manchester United was the first football club to take the initiative in developing an active partnership between UNICEF and the world of football. United for UNICEF was launched in 1999 and is the longest running collaboration between a Premiership football club and UNICEF. To date, the club has raised over £2 million, helping over 2.2 million children worldwide. Manchester United is one of the first corporate partners to support UNICEF’s five-year global campaign on AIDS. The partnership between Manchester United and UNICEF is managed by Manchester United Foundation (Trading) Limited.

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