U20 World Cup legacy to impact PNG: OFC President

PM speaking with FIFA officials.

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill mingling with guests.

(L-R) Tourism Minister Tobias Kulang, OFC President David Chung, PM O'Neill, Sports Minister Tkatchenko, and NCD Governor Powes Parkop.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, November 13, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG) 

OCEANIA Football Confederation President and Vice President of the FIFA Council, David Chung, highlighted the legacy that the Under 20 Women’s World Cup will bring long after the tournament concludes.

He made the comments during a welcome cocktail function, hosted by NCD Governor Powes Parkop, for the tournament’s teams, coaches and FIFA officials.

He highlighted the gravity of hosting such a global event- adding that it was something Papua New Guineans dream of, with the tournament the first of its kind for the country.

“It is the first time we have hosted an international sporting event of this magnitude, it is something that we in Papua New Guinea will only ever dream of,” Mr Chung said.

“For many months we have been working very hard to build stadiums, fields, and infrastructures to host this tournament.”

“While we may not be able to match the world class facilities that you see in Europe- what we bring here is our passion for football, our culture, our pride for hosting this prestigious event.”

Chung told those in attendance of the country’s love for football/soccer for the once in a lifetime opportunity for the country to embrace the future stars of world football on home soil.

“One of the greatest things of hosting this tournament is the legacy you will leave in our country long after the match is played.”

“The sport of football will thrive with the new infrastructure that has been built. The confidence, the experience, the newfound capability of the hundreds of young volunteers will carry them to jobs and meaningful futures.”

“The eyes of the world will turn upon our great country and our culture and the beauty of our people will be known far and wide,” Chung said.

He added, most importantly, the inspiration of young girls and women of Papua New Guinea will be strong with many to excel in life.

“With this philosophy to take football to the world, that is why we are here today- it means in our football family we need your support, with the knowledge. As a developing country not everything will be perfect.”

“Please open your arms and embrace us anyway in the spirit of fair play and the spirit of football.”

In his welcome address also, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill thanked OFC President David Chung who he said has been at the forefront to getting the event to the country.

“There has been many challenges along the way but we are here today. We will make sure that your stay is comfortable and we look forward to seeing over the few days when the matches take place.”

“Please feel free to engage with our people.”

“I thank the FIFA officials, the 15 teams, coaches and staff who make this happen, but I also want to thank our people and the residents of Port Moresby city,” the PM said.