I promise you Jack Warner that Colombia will host the best U-20 World Cup of all time.” That was the public promise made by Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos to born Fifa Vice President Jack Warner. President Santos made the statement at the official draw ceremony of the Fifa U-20 Men’s World Cup in Cartagena, Colombia on Wednesday night. Warner, who is the chairman of Fifa’s Youth Committee, was highly praised during Wednesday’s ceremony for his belief in the power of football and the power of second chances. President of the Santos during his address thanked the Fifa Vice President and the rest of the Fifa Executive for their ability to see fact and not be swayed by perception.
“Mr Vice President, I want to thank you and Fifa for giving us, for giving Colombia the opportunity to show the world how much we have changed. I know that the image of our country throughout the world has been a negative one, but things are progressing.
“Over the last seven years our government has been able to dramatically reduce the crime rate in this country. We have been able to reduce kidnapping and we are winning the war against the drug cartels.”
The President went on to add that despite his country’s achievements, they were still battling with the world’s negative perceptions. He noted that although this perception was no longer based on statistics, they had to find a way to show the world that they have changed and have been given a golden opportunity in the Fifa U-20 World Cup. He said that just two days ago former British PM Tony Blair were speaking on the importance of hosting events such as the World Cup to a country’s development.
He concluded by stating emphatically that Colombia has the strength and desire to host the best World Cup ever.
In his own address, Warner described his experiences in the Latin American nation as enlightening.
He was exuberant in his remarks, saying that he had learned much about the country over the past two years. “There is so much beauty and life in this country; I feel safe; I feel the passion of your people; I feel the change that you have achieved. “Football is a universal sport and through it we must foster social change and improvement. Ten years ago you gave up your right to host the World Cup. Now you have a chance to show the world the new Colombia” Warner went on to add “your government has achieved the unimaginable and has given the people hope. It is through this attitude and through the collaborative efforts of your government and the Football Federation that I know that Colombia will succeed. “As Chairman of the Fifa Youth Committee I will say it here tonight …The doors of Colombia are open and the world is invited.” The Fifa U-20 Men’s World Cup is the second largest tournament hosted by the world’s governing body of football. The competition is held every two years. Colombia was granted the rights for the World Cup in 2008.
“Mr Vice President, I want to thank you and Fifa for giving us, for giving Colombia the opportunity to show the world how much we have changed. I know that the image of our country throughout the world has been a negative one, but things are progressing.
“Over the last seven years our government has been able to dramatically reduce the crime rate in this country. We have been able to reduce kidnapping and we are winning the war against the drug cartels.”
The President went on to add that despite his country’s achievements, they were still battling with the world’s negative perceptions. He noted that although this perception was no longer based on statistics, they had to find a way to show the world that they have changed and have been given a golden opportunity in the Fifa U-20 World Cup. He said that just two days ago former British PM Tony Blair were speaking on the importance of hosting events such as the World Cup to a country’s development.
He concluded by stating emphatically that Colombia has the strength and desire to host the best World Cup ever.
In his own address, Warner described his experiences in the Latin American nation as enlightening.
He was exuberant in his remarks, saying that he had learned much about the country over the past two years. “There is so much beauty and life in this country; I feel safe; I feel the passion of your people; I feel the change that you have achieved. “Football is a universal sport and through it we must foster social change and improvement. Ten years ago you gave up your right to host the World Cup. Now you have a chance to show the world the new Colombia” Warner went on to add “your government has achieved the unimaginable and has given the people hope. It is through this attitude and through the collaborative efforts of your government and the Football Federation that I know that Colombia will succeed. “As Chairman of the Fifa Youth Committee I will say it here tonight …The doors of Colombia are open and the world is invited.” The Fifa U-20 Men’s World Cup is the second largest tournament hosted by the world’s governing body of football. The competition is held every two years. Colombia was granted the rights for the World Cup in 2008.
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