The Tribune

INTERNATIONAL excitement is boiling over for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 set to kick-off tomorrow, and FIFA officials say the host country is ready to stage the best tournament yet. The stadium is dressed and all systems are go. 

Visitors have come to the destination to soak in some sun and catch all the action on the white sands of Nassau. For the locals, they will get to watch the home team engage in the highest level of competition.

Action kicks off on Thursday at the National Beach Soccer Arena at Malcolm Park. The tournament will run until May 7.

“We are definitely ready for kick-off.  After two years of preparation we are now just waiting on the gates to open on Thursday to welcome all of the fans all over the world to this beautiful facility,” said Joan Cusco, vice president of Beach Soccer Worldwide and FIFA board member.

This will be the first time that the World Cup has been hosted in the Caribbean. Organisers for the biennial event said while each host destination has its own unique appeal, The Bahamas has attracted increased attention because of the beauty of the islands.

“We receive requests from visitors every day,” Cusco said. “When you say the word Bahamas it brings the desire to be here. The Bahamas is associated with beautiful beaches and paradise. When you say Bahamas, everyone wants to come.”

Hundreds of players, coaching staff and beach soccer enthusiasts traveled for the event. Cusco invited Bahamians to come out to watch the games. He promised that FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee will not disappoint.

Aside from the actual competition, fans will also be treated to entertainment by the beach soccer dancers and a live performance by Bahamian artist Rik Carey, who will sing the official tournament song, Pure Good Vibes.

The Bahamas will receive priceless exposure over the next two weeks. More than 50 media representatives from 16 different countries will be in town for the event. Additionally, FIFA Media Officer Giovanni Marti said the tournament will be broadcast globally.

“All over the world the rights for the tournament have been sold,” he said. “So the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 will be seen all over the world live and on replay. We are very happy with preparations and we are confident that we will have a great tournament.”

Marti also praised the high level of local interest, which he said will help with the optics.

“The Bahamas is not new to organized sports events,” he added. “It’s a beautiful venue to play beach soccer.  You have now a permanent structure. It’s a sustainable tournament that gives something to the region.”

Aside from The Bahamas, teams include: Switzerland; Ecuador; Senegal; Nigeria; Italy; Mexico; Paraguay; Portugal; Panama; Brazil; Tahiti; Poland; United Arab Emirates; Iran and Japan.

VIP tickets are still available for purchase. General Admission is Free. Gates open at 2:30am for the group phase of the tournament. Kick-off is at 3:30pm.