The Tribune

THE FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 Trophy Experience was launched by Governor General of the Bahamas, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling at Government House on Tuesday.

For the next 38 days, the Trophy Experience will take the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Winner’s Trophy to five islands in an itinerant tour aimed at bringing the vibe of this sporting celebration, the first ever FIFA senior event to happen in the Caribbean, to all corners of the country.

The tournament itself kicks off on April 27, as the Caribbean hosts its first ever FIFA tournament. A total of 16 teams will be taking to the sand, with defending champions Portugal joined by the likes of Brazil to United Arab Emirates in making the trip to the Bahamas.

“The aim of the tour is to raise awareness of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 and drum up excitement throughout the beautiful islands that make up the host country,” said Bahamas Football Association President Anton Sealey. “We want Bahamians in all islands to experience the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in some way, so we are taking the trophy to them. What better way to start this experience than with a regal send off here at Government House?”

Her Excellency Dame Marguerite was joined by Anton Sealey, members of the Local Organising Committee Jeffrey Beckles, Fred Lunn, Nikia Christie, Royann Dean, Bruce LeFluer, Jason McDowell and Gary Markham, and members of Team Bahamas Kyle Williams and Timothy Munnings Jr.

The Winner’s Trophy of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup also visited the Office of the Prime Minister on Tuesday afternoon with Prime Minister Perry Christie among ministers on hand to view the Winner’s Trophy.

The Winner’s Trophy will travel to Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Cat Island, and Abaco before returning to New Providence for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 scheduled for April 27 to May 7.

School students and members of the community on those islands will be treated to a full experience where they will learn more about the tournament, see the Winner’s Trophy, hear the Official Song of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 and meet members of Team Bahamas. There will also be giveaways and exciting activities.

Trophy Experience

Schedule

• Tuesday, March 21 – Nassau

• Friday, March 24 –

Grand Bahama

Friday, April 7 – Cat Island

Thursday, April 13 – Abaco

Monday, April 17 – Nassau