Tahiti football family celebrate FIFA Goal Project
Futsal included in a four day festival of football in Tahiti
Tahiti’s football family have enjoyed a festival of football this week with a four-day tournament and the inauguration of new accommodation facilities that were built as part of the FIFA Goal Project.
From 18 to 21 December, Federation Tahitienne de Football (FTF) hosted the second edition of the Challenge Alphonse Greig – a football ceremony gathering 600 participants from all over Tahiti, including the outer islands.
The event was held across three stadiums and featured all the football disciplines: futsal, beach soccer and the traditional 11-a-side game.
To cap off the festivities, an inauguration ceremony was held at the FTF technical centre in Pirae to celebrate the fourth phase of Tahiti’s FIFA Goal Project that has seen the construction of a new accommodation centre. OFC and FTF President Reynald Temarii took time during his opening address to thank FIFA for their support.
“I would like to thank FIFA for helping to make this centre possible through the FIFA Goal Project. It will be a place to host people from the island who will come to Tahiti for futsal, beach soccer, men’s, women’s and youth competitions.’’ said Temarii.
“In addition, as a display of solidarity between different local federations, the FTF has decided to make this centre available to other sporting bodies.”
The newly renovated complex follows on from phase two of the FIFA Goal Project, which was celebrated in style during OFC’s 40th Anniversary in 2006 when FTF’s playing facilities were opened by FIFA Vice-President Jack Warner and FIFA General Secretary Dr. Urs Linsi along with President Temarii.
Also taking place in Pirae this week was a game for young people with disabilities. CEO Pure Nena says the match was one of the highlights of the weeklong football activities.
“It is important to give everyone opportunities in football no matter what their abilities,” said Nena. “The winning team Taatiraa Huma Moorea will now play in FIFA’s “Football for Hope” festival in South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ which will be a special occasion.”
