THE United Nations yesterday added its voice to those lauding the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
THE United Nations yesterday added its voice to those lauding the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
"Following the final match of the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa, the United Nations assesses the tournament as a great success for all involved parties," it said in a statement.
"Irrespective of the result of the final, the real victor of the 2010 World Cup was Africa and the South African people.
"There is no doubt that this World Cup has been a success for South Africa and for the entire continent," UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said.
"It is my hope that this renewed focus on Africa will lead to an African Renaissance, and I call on all parties to focus on ensuring that the success is sustained," he said.
Ban acknowledged the efforts of the government and Local Organising Committee in organising and sustaining an event of this magnitude.
"While there might have been doubts prior to the World Cup about staging the event in South Africa, there is now widespread confidence in the ability of the region to stage such global events," he said.
"Fifa should also be commended for its commitment to using the momentum and attention of football's greatest stage as a catalyst for development and economic stimulus for the African region, including its 20 Football for Hope centres throughout Africa."
Cup a great success - UN
THE United Nations yesterday added its voice to those lauding the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
THE United Nations yesterday added its voice to those lauding the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
"Following the final match of the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa, the United Nations assesses the tournament as a great success for all involved parties," it said in a statement.
"Irrespective of the result of the final, the real victor of the 2010 World Cup was Africa and the South African people.
"There is no doubt that this World Cup has been a success for South Africa and for the entire continent," UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said.
"It is my hope that this renewed focus on Africa will lead to an African Renaissance, and I call on all parties to focus on ensuring that the success is sustained," he said.
Ban acknowledged the efforts of the government and Local Organising Committee in organising and sustaining an event of this magnitude.
"While there might have been doubts prior to the World Cup about staging the event in South Africa, there is now widespread confidence in the ability of the region to stage such global events," he said.
"Fifa should also be commended for its commitment to using the momentum and attention of football's greatest stage as a catalyst for development and economic stimulus for the African region, including its 20 Football for Hope centres throughout Africa."
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