Almost any football player or fan on the planet dreams of the World Cup. Winning it, competing for it, or simply getting close to it is as special as it can get for lovers of the game.
Which is why football fanatics in the UAE will be delighted to know that they now have a chance to get up close and personal with the FIFA World Cup trophy as it goes on display today at the Abu Dhabi Corniche at the Malaib area.
The 18 carat gold trophy, weighing 6kg, touched down in Abu Dhabion Sunday on a vibrantly decorated FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour plane at the Royal Jet Terminal at the capital’s airport.
Brought to the UAE by Coca- Cola, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour will give over 7,000 lucky fans an exhilarating opportunity to be a part of the football spirit.
The fan experience at the one-day FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour ‘Fan Zone’ today will open its doors to the public at 10:00. Participants will be able to enjoy a series of interactive activities before going through to see the trophy.
A larger than life ‘Brazuca’ football, the official match ball of the 2014 World Cup, will be made readily available for fans to rejoice in the Adidas area, making for a truly authentic experience.
Fans will also be able to play the ultimate football game on SONY Play Station consoles whilst listening to great music from Coke Studio and of course, the Anthem.
There will also be an opportunity to test your football skills in a ‘shoot and score’ challenge. The World Cup mascot Fuleco will make a special appearance, fuelling the excitement for the extravaganza.
Before being ushered into the room where the trophy will be unveiled, fans will be shown an inspirational short movie using hologram technology.
Finally, they will get to see the pure gold trophy, standing at 14.4 inches tall, being proudly displayed.
Thousands of enthusiasts will revel in the dramatic unveiling of the authentic trophy which has only been held by an exclusive line of football heroes and heads of state from across the globe.
Their joy will be documented, as each fan will have the chance to have their pictures taken with the trophy as a memoir of this milestone event.
“We are very proud to welcome the FIFA World Cup Trophy to the UAE, a country that embodies the very essence of football, from the national passion for the sport, to the unity that defines the sportsmanship.
“This is a very special milestone and we are happy to be a part of it and to host the trophy in the UAE, spreading happiness to all,” said president of the UAE FA, Yousuf Al Serkal.
FIFA ambassador and former Argentina international Gabriel Calderon, who competed in the 1982 and 1990 editions of the World Cup, has been touring with the trophy across the Gulf region, with visits to Riyadh and Doha prior to its arrival in Abu Dhabi.
“I feel so fortunate to be a part of the 2013 FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour. As someone who actually played in the World Cup, I know firsthand the exhilaration the sport brings. To be able to spread that joy with Coca-Cola and FIFA, and see how happy it makes people, is truly a privilege,” said Calderon.
This trophy tour was launched in Brazil on September 12, 2013, and will have visited 90 countries, travelling over 150,000km by the time of its conclusion.
After its stay in the UAE, the trophy will move onto the Pacific Islands, Central America, the Caribbean, and will finish its tour in April in Brazil, ahead of the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament.
What: The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour Fan Zone
Where: Abu Dhabi Corniche, Malaib area
When: Today, December 16, starting 10:00
Cost: Free entry for all
