Walker, who regularly tops the charts on both sides of the Tasman, was also unveiled today as the headline act at the ‘Kick-off show’ for the FIFA U-20 World Cup on 30 May, opening the festivities with a live performance ahead of the first match between New Zealand and Ukraine.
The announcements were made as the former Australian Idol winner surprised a group of school children at Sutton Park School in South Auckland, turning up to reveal the first two children who will act as player escorts for the biggest celebration of global football ever seen in New Zealand.
The lucky pair, Kazitoa Farani (8) and Matilda Lako (6) screamed with delight as Walker pulled them up on to the stage at a specially-arranged assembly at the Mangere school. Kazitoa and Matilda, both keen footballers, will get to escort two of the future stars of world football when they walk out onto the pitch at North Harbour Stadium during the tournament.
Primary school children throughout New Zealand were eligible to be selected as player escorts if their school had signed up to the schools education programme launched in early March. The promotion ended on 31 March and over 200 schools signed up to be part of the programme. The remaining winners will be revealed to local schools across the country over the coming week.
Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chief Executive Dave Beeche, who unveiled the school’s surprise visitor today said that having someone with the profile of Stan Walker involved in the tournament was a huge coup.
“Stan’s appeal goes far beyond our typical sports audience and connects us to a whole new set of fans. Through his association with the tournament we hope we can attract many new non-football people along to the matches to experience all of the noise, colour and passion associated with world football.”
“Stan is a huge name in this country and his appearance at the Kick-off Show on 30 May will give the tournament the start it deserves. Congratulations also to Kazitoa and Matilda who will lead out the teams in the opening game. This will be an occasion they will remember all their lives,” said Mr Beeche.
All 24 nations have been confirmed for the tournament that runs for three weeks from 30 May to 20 June.
For more on the FIFA U-20 World Cup visit FIFA.com