Trophy tour is historic and we’re honoured: Lai

BY ROMULUS HUTA

THE President of Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) describes the visit of the fourth FIFA World Cup™ Trophy to Solomon Islands in its world tour as ‘historic and honourable’.

The fourth FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola will arrive in Honiara on February 1 giving Solomon Islands fans the chance to experience football’s most coveted prize.

Described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the most iconic symbol in football and share their passion for the game, SIFF President William Lai said, “This is indeed a historic event for Solomon Islands to be able to host the visit of the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy.

“The Trophy symbolizes the spirit of champions, spirit of not giving up and the spirit of collaboration. In this spirit, SIFF is honoured to work closely with Coca-Cola in bringing the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola to the Solomon Islands.”

During the one-day stop over in Honiara, the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy will participate in a number of events including an official visit by State Dignitaries as well as by selected Solomon Islands National Football team, VIP guests and media.

The FIFA World Cup World Tour is being facilitated by the global giant beverage company Coca-Cola.

“Coca-Cola has always believed in being a positive contributor to the community where we operate, and football has always been an inspiration to the people of Solomon Islands. We are proud to be able to bring the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola in the hope of bringing the inspiration of champions to the people of Solomon Islands”, said Somu Bhattacharya, General Manager for Coca-Cola Amatil PNG.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “In the world of sports, no symbol stands stronger than the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy.

“Everyone recognizes the significance of the Trophy as a unifying force. We are extremely happy to partner with Coca-Cola once again to bring the Trophy to football fans around the world.”

The FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola kicked off in September 2017 in Russia and visits more than 50 countries across six continents, travelling 126,000 kilometers in the nine months leading up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup™.

Within Russia, the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola visits 25 cities – the longest host country tour in history – with one out of every three Russians having the opportunity to experience the Trophy in person.

Apart from Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Tonga are the other two Pacific Island countries where the trophy will visit.

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