- Title: GHANA: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - The FIFA World Cup trophy welcomed
- Date: 16th October 2009
- Summary: SCREEN SCREEN SHOWING CHILDREN PLAYING FOOTBALL
- Embargoed: 31st October 2009 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Ghana
- City:
- Country: Ghana
- Topics: Sports
- Reuters ID: LVA8BXNEH86BMI37MKAFBSQZKQW1
- Aspect Ratio:
- Story Text: Ghana's soccer fans were given their chance to see the World Cup trophy on Thursday (October 15) after it landed in the country's capital.
After a stop in Burkina Faso, FIFA and Coca Cola officials presented the trophy to president John Atta Mills, who unveiled the trophy, at the State House.
"There are some people, here who I am sure would have find it difficult to accept an invitation from me to visit the castle but they are here because soccer has brought them here, all of us here are united and in unity lies strength," said Mills to a crowd of well-wishers.
The tour of the World Cup trophy is aimed at drumming up enthusiasm for soccer fans ahead of next year's games in South Africa, the first time the tournament will be held in the continent.
Hundreds flocked to Accra's international conference centre to welcome the trophy and take photographs.
Ghana is among the eighty-six countries, that will host the trophy -- organised by FIFA and Coca-Cola.
Ghanaians are ecstatic that they can witness the trophy up close and personal, especially considering their team has qualified for the World Cup in 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
"I think it's a very fascinating experience to have come watch the FIFA trophy -- I mean the big superstars, the likes of Maradonna and Canavaro and the likes the great stars who have had an experience of the Cup," said John Owusu, a student.
"My expectation is that Ghana should win, Ghana should bring the Cup here, that is my expectation, I am expecting the like of Michael Essein, Stephen Appiah and Mutari to perform and make us proud," said Issah Ak Muwahye, an airport personnel.
The tour is set to go around the world in selected countries within 225 days, and will tour all 54 African countries. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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