Montserrat recently welcomed the 18-carat gold trophy for the FIFA World Cup Tour sponsored by Coca Cola.
Hundreds of children and residents turned out to view the trophy and take part in the festivities around Little Bay created to celebrate a unique opportunity to be up close to the world’s most coveted piece of hardware.
The Emerald Shamiole Masqueraders get their chance to pose next to the FIFA World Cup trophy which is on a 89-country tour ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Speaking during the welcome ceremony at the Montserrat Cultural Centre, Director of External Affairs Claude Hogan said the island has benefited greatly from the work that FIFA does internationally.
“We are proud to receive FIFA and Coca Cola,” Hogan declared. “We have benefitted from FIFA aid in both financial assistance and through GOAL projects. The first GOAL project built the infrastructure at Blake’s Football field to the tune of US$788,000 in 2004. Annually, FIFA gives every nation that is a member regardless of size US$ 250,000. In 2010, Montserrat received bonus profits of US$ 200,000 and US$ 300,000 in 2011.
“This year, FIFA has approved another GOAL project which will build the technical centre at Blake’s including two small fields for the children in the grassroots football programme. It will also improve the restrooms and facilities necessary for the protection and care of our children. This will cost US$ 500,000.
Claude Hogan (left) shakes the hand of Lionel Nanton MBE a former member of the Montserrat Football Association.
“Montserrat has a total and abiding regard for FIFA and the support they give to sports and the development of our children in the Caribbean,” Hogan stated.
The trophy is on a nine-month journey which will stop in 89 countries and cover more 92,000 miles on its way to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
