FIFA Under 17 Women's World Cup Official Draw

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Maori, Cook Island Maori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.  Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the evening (Sign).

May I specifically greet you: Chuck Blazer, Chair of the FIFA Under 17 Women's World Cup Organising Committee; Tai Nicholls, General-Secretary of the Oceania Football Confederation; Hon Damien O'Connor, Minister of Tourism; John Morris, President of the Local Organising Committee; Harold Mayne-Nicholls, President of the Chile Football Association; Mayors from Chile and New Zealand; Distinguished guests of the FIFA World Family; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to attend the Official Draw of the FIFA Under 17 Women's World Cup this evening.

First, I would like to welcome everyone from the FIFA Football family to New Zealand and to thank FIFA for awarding this inaugural tournament to our country.

Secondly, I would like to congratulate New Zealand Football on winning the hosting rights.  With this tournament to be broadcast to more than 150 nations in October and November, it will bring considerable exposure to New Zealand.

Soccer was once famously described by the brilliant Brazilian footballer Pele as "the beautiful game."

It holds this reputation because it is a game in which speed and agility are more important than brute force.  A good soccer player must have strength and stamina, but must also be quick thinking, strategic and at times, downright cunning. 

To see a top player spy an opening, and turn a match with the merest flick of the foot, is a magic sight to behold.

It is also a "beautiful game" because of the breadth of participation throughout the world.  The final 16 teams were selected as a result of qualifying matches in more than 100 countries.

When the teams compete there will naturally be fierce rivalry. New Zealand is used to high participation by women in the game and so it is therfore natural that I wish the Kiwi team all the best.

But I trust the competition will also provide an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of the tournament and a chance to learn about the cultures of all the competing players.

But most of all, I trust you enjoy the game.  A predecessor, Viscount Cobham once made a comment in a sporting context that seems applicable here.  He said and I endorse the thought:-

"Win, lose or draw, I know that both sides will play this lovely game for the only reason that any game is worth playing—and that is for fun."

And on that note with which I hope there will be agreement, I will I close in New Zealand's first language, Maori, offering greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.