The Mobile World Cup Championship has become the world’s premier mobile challenge which celebrates the evolution of mobile technology, as well as the speedy texting superstars who make up the competition. 'Mobile Texting' has become a world recognised as well as a South African certified sport which is supported by the likes of Mind Sports South Africa.

In last year’s tournament, the South African team came fourth in the Numeric and QWERTY category out of 13 teams that took part, but Burton and Hough are aiming for a better position in this year’s championship.

“This is the second year we will be sending a team of texting superstars to the New York finals and I want to wish them both the very best," says Dr. Michelle Potgieter, Marketing Director of LG Electronics South Africa.

“I’ve always told my family that I am going to be on television one day, and after winning the SA LG Mobile Championships, one of my dreams have come true, I still hope to bring back the cup and set a new world record as the Fastest Texter," says Hough.

“It has been a great adventure so far, I must say now the real challenge awaits me - the competition itself. I just want to thank LG for this awesome opportunity and experience,’’ says Burton.

With today’s tweens and teens sending between 1.2-million text messages every minute it is clear that mobile phones have a greater impact on the way we interact and communicate. Amidst all the positives of being socially interactive 24/7, LG recognises the reality of harmful mobile use trends and texting behaviour. This year’s 2010 LG Mobile World Cup Championships therefore serves as a platform to introduce LG Text Ed - an innovative education program designed to teach young people to avoid the pitfalls of risky texting behaviour.

Dr. Michelle Potgieter adds: “Texting and instant messaging are fast becoming one of the most readily utilised communication tools. This global contest has made it very clear that speed texting is not only a skill but a socially competitive sport. In the next couple years we may just see mobile texting becoming part of the South African education syllabus to enhance our already rapid texters who may just be the next South African LG Mobile World Cup Champions.’’