Australia's FIFA World Cup bid efforts increase
One year out from the decision on who will host the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup tournaments, Football Federation Australia (FFA) is in Cape Town this week in the first of three significant opportunities for bidding nations to present their case to the international football community.
But before getting the formal promotional program underway, Football Federation Australia Chairman, Frank Lowy AC and CEO, Ben Buckley, will first visit Tygerberg Children's Hospital outside of Cape Town as the guest of the hospital's Patron, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
"I met with Archbishop Tutu when I was here in June and the visit [on Tuesday] is the culmination of some work FFA has been doing as a result of that visit," said Buckley.
"Tygerberg Children's Hospital is a very special facility that is involved in outstanding work to help children who are very vulnerable and very ill."
Also accompanying Lowy and Buckley are the eight state and territory winners of the 'Come Write! Come Play!' competition - the eight children from around Australia who will help promote Australia's bid for the 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup throughout the week as 'emissaries'.
Later on Tuesday, Lowy, Buckley and Qantas Socceroos Head Coach, Pim Verbeek, will be the guests of honour at a reception hosted by the Australian High Commissioner, Ann Harrap.
"We're delighted that, once again, the Australian Government is demonstrating their support for the Bid by hosting this reception and allowing us to present our credentials to the business and political community in Cape Town."
Buckley said that the reception gave FFA an opportunity to launch a new promotional package aimed at showcasing Australia's bid.
"With one year to go, it's time to step up our efforts from now and throughout 2010 until 'd' Day."
Federal Sports Minister Kate Ellis will also join the lobbying group towards the end of the week.
Ellis will visit a local school with the eight child emissaries as part of the 1GOAL program, as well as participate in FIFA's official Bidding Nations Media Expo on Friday morning and attend the Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"The Media Expo is the first time all 10 bidders will in the one room overtly presenting their bids," Buckley said.
"FIFA has set a level playing field by giving each of us guidelines to adhere to, but we believe Australia's credentials and our emissaries representing the young people of Australia will help set us apart and position us strongly.
"It's a high quality, competitive field that we're in, but we are very encouraged by the feedback on our work to date.
"Our work and our efforts over the next twelve months will increase in 2010 and be even more targeted to make sure we bring the FIFA World Cup home to Australia in 2018 or 2022.
"We offer a 'no worries' World Cup which is also fun, relaxed, safe and secure, a great destination and provides a warm welcome," Buckley said.
There are nine other bidders representing 11 countries. The decision on the the winners will be made on 2 December 2010.
Australia can show their support by joining the bid at www.australia2018-2022.com.au