With FIFA’s prize possession the World Cup on display at the Beausejour Cricket Ground (BCG) Thursday evening, as part of a worldwide Coca Cola Trophy tour of 88 countries, Blackheart 2013 Football Champions Gros Islet went up against a select Coca Cola All star squad in an exhibition match.
The magnificent Trophy which is football’s greatest prize arrived at Hewanorra International Airport Thursday morning, where a formal ceremony took place inside the Sandals lounge.
On hand were government officials including Minister of Tourism, Lorne Theophilus; executives of Coca-Cola including the Du Boulay family of Du Boulay’s Bottling Company Limited (local agents and distributers of the popular soft drink), the touring party with the FIFA World Cup Trophy and well wishers.
After leaving Hewanorra International Airport, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour proceeded to the Governor General’s official residence, There, Her Excellency, Governor General, Dame Pearlette Louisy, not only unveiled but had the supreme honour as the country’s Head of State, to touch and hold the priceless FIFA World Trophy. Her Excellency also received an encased miniature version of the World Cup Trophy. She hinted one day she might present it to a championship team here.
Under heavy security, football’s greatest prize made a final stop here at the Beausejour Cricket Ground. A huge ground was on hand for the highly anticipated encounter between Gros Islet and the Coca Cola All Stars. At stake was definitely not the FIFA World Cup, but instead a rare opportunity for the winning side to pose alongside it. The winning team also received $2,500 and a trophy.
That honour went to the Coca-Cola All Stars who won in a sudden death penalty shootout, after a scoreless tie in regulation time.
Following the game there was a cocktail reception ceremony at the lounge of the BCG with several dignitaries in attendance including Her Excellency, Governor General, Dame Pearlette Louisy; Deputy Prime Minister Philip J Pierre; Justice Minister, Philip La Corbiniere; Minister of Commerce, Emma Hippolyte; officials of Du Boulay’s Bottling Company Limited; FIFA Representatives and several invited guests who all had the opportunity to have their picture taken with the encased the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
Be sure to read Saturday’s Star Newspaper for extensive coverage on the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour in association with Coca-Cola.
