Five of the eight teams taking part in the 2016 OFC U-17 Women’s Championship were treated to a warm Cook Islands welcome this afternoon courtesy of their hosts the Cook Islands Football Association.
The welcoming ceremony was attended by players from New Zealand, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga and hosts Cook Islands and along with CIFA President Lee Harmon, Cook Islands Minister of Youth and Sports Albert Nicholas and CISNOC President Hugh Graham who took time from their busy schedules to assist in making it a memorable occasion for the visitors.
“Women’s football is a fast growing sport around the globe,” Harmon opened. “In the last ten years FIFA has invested a lot of resources into women’s football and today, around 30 million women play football.
“The Cook Islands Football Association is excited that the region’s best up-and-coming talent have come together on our shores. I am certain we are set for an exciting and entertaining few weeks of football action.”
As he addressed the group, Nicholas noted the importance of the event not only for the Cook Islands as a nation, but in respect to young women throughout the country.
“On behalf of the government and the people of the Cook Islands I would like to say thank you to all our families, our sisters and our cousins from around the region for being part of this event.
“It is a very important event as the winner will go on to participate in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“It’s always been my great belief that sport is an avenue to get away from some of that ‘naughty stuff’ and add some structure to their lives.
“I think this event is a perfect opportunity for our youth to see what is available out there in the sports arena.”
On a lighter note, Nicholas added that the first barrier standing in the path of any team chasing the big prize, is the Cook Islands team.
“It’s going to be a hard task for any of you teams hoping to win here in the Cook Islands because you’re going to have to deal with the girls representing our country,” he said before officially opening the 2016 OFC U-17 Women’s Championship.
The 2016 OFC U-17 Women’s Championship gets underway on Wednesday 13 January (local) with New Caledonia opening the tournament against Tonga at 2.30pm, followed by New Zealand and Samoa.