Just Wide! 25-Year-old Resident of Norway Misses $1 Million Kick At Site of 2002 FIFA World Cup...

Sports Editors/Soccer Writers & Columnists

2002 FIFA World Cup

Nils Erik Eie Outlasts 15 Other Finalists, But Fails to Win

Top Prize in Gillette "Shoot for $1 Million" Promotion

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that sailed just wide! Mr. Nils

Erik Eie of Oslo, Norway, missed his attempt to kick a regulation-size football through a 30-inch (762 mm) target and collect $1 Million US through the Gillette "Shoot for $1 Million" promotion. The event was held this afternoon at the Yokohama Grand Intercontinental Hotel in Yokohama, Japan, the host city of tomorrow's 2002 FIFA World Cup(TM) Final.

Mr. Eie, an engineer by trade, kicked the ball toward a circular target from a distance of 12 yards (10.97 meters). Although he didn't collect the top prize, Mr. Eie was awarded a consolation prize of $10,000 US. He earned the chance to kick for the million-dollar prize by winning a special "sudden-death" kick-off held this morning. The 16 finalists participating in the kick-off were selected from among 70 contestants from 50 countries. All 70 contestants had previously won qualifying promotions sponsored by Gillette in their home countries.

International football great Ruud Gullit, the former Dutch captain and World and European Footballer of the Year, was present as Gillette's "Coach" to provide advice and encouragement to Mr. Eie and the other contestants who vied for the prize.

The Gillette Company celebrates its ninth consecutive FIFA World Cup sponsorship, making it one of the longest-standing corporate sponsors to date of this international sporting event. A pioneer in sports marketing and promotions, Gillette began its association with the FIFA World Cup in 1970.

Headquartered in Boston, The Gillette Company is the world leader in male grooming, a category that includes blades, razors and shaving preparations. Gillette also holds the number one position worldwide in selected female grooming products, such as wet shaving products and hair epilation devices. In addition, the Company is the world leader in alkaline batteries, and in manual and power toothbrushes.