The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie, expressing the gratitude of the Bahamian people to FIFA and the Bahamas Football Association, said it was a delight to have hosted the successful CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship in the brand new state-of-the-art stadium at Malcolm Park last week.

But he indicated that their expectations have now risen even higher as the country prepares to host the prestigious FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 April 27 to May 7 at the same venue.

“The Bahamas and Bahamians are a most welcoming and hospitable country and people,” said Christie at the official draw for the 16 participating teams Monday night at Atlantis Theatre on Paradise Island.

“As a government and as a people, we proudly and eagerly look forward to welcoming teams, representatives and fans from all over the world to this world-class event in a few months time.

“It also speaks volumes as to the will and determination of our nation to use sports as a vehicle for social development and upliftment of our people, especially our youth, and for personal development. As a government, we are committed to the development of the whole man and sport is but one of the avenues by which we hope to achieve this.”

Christie, who headed the list of dignitaries that included Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson, Anton Sealey, president of the BFA and both Jaime Yarza, head of FIFA events and Joan Cusco, executive vice president of Beach Soccer Worldwide, said he’s encouraged and proud of the growing partnership between The Bahamas Football Association and FIFA, and the resulting goodwill and support by FIFA to the development of football in our nation.

“The results have been real and tangible and we thank this worldwide body for all that they have done and will do in the future,” he said.

Christie invited the world to come to the Bahamas and to be a part of an exciting event, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017.

“I look forward to keen competition from the 16 teams that will compete in this event,” he projected. “Beach soccer is a relatively new sport but it is one that is gaining in popularity in terms of worldwide competition. I can tell you that you will witness 16 of the finest teams in the very keenest of competition over a period of two weeks. At the same time you will be able to enjoy the exuberance of the hospitality and friendliness of our people, our culture and our renowned environment.”

Christie added that he looks forward to welcoming the visitors to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017 in the Bahamas.