To the sound of thunderous drums beating, the vibrant youth of Aitutaki welcomed a number of dignitaries to the celebration opening the centre, which was made possible through FIFA Goal Project funding.
From traditional leaders and political dignitaries including the country’s prime minister, to young football enthusiasts and invited guests, everyone came out for the festivities.
The formalities commenced in the customary manner with an opening prayer and a welcome speech by the Aitutaki Football Association president Tiraa Arere.
Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) president Lee Harmon welcomed the distinguished guests in a stirring speech saying that the inauguration was a historic occasion for the people of Aitutaki and football in particular.
“This complex will be the focal point of educating coaches, referees, players and administrators in conducting their various duties. Aitutaki was selected as the project recipient for several reasons, including being the second largest populated island and for being a well structured and organised association,” Harmon said.
“This is the start of bigger things to come for football on the island of Aitutaki. It is important to implement the second Goal Project to compliment what has been established here today.
“I would like to urge the Aitutaki Football Association executives and those involved in the fame of football on our small island, to look after this complex as it will be the backbone for some of our youth in the future.”
President Harmon expressed his sincere appreciation to FIFA through FIFA vice-president David Chung for their financial assistance and support.
Chung, also Oceania Football Confederation president, opened his address by expressing his impression of the traditional welcome for him, onto one of the Cook Islands most idyllic islands, on the occasion of the inauguration.
“Today is a milestone for Aitutaki football and for Cook Islands football as a whole. It is my sincere pleasure to represent FIFA and Oceania Football Confederation to officially open this excellent facility which will be of significant benefit for the administration and development of football on Aitutaki, particularly at the Grassroots and youth levels,” Chung said.
“I wish to acknowledge the vision and commitment of CIFA president Lee Harmon to develop football in the Cook Islands to the highest possible level. Under Harmon’s presidency, Cook Islands Football has taken optimum opportunities and benefits from the development programmes and activities of both FIFA and OFC for the past thirteen years,” he said.
“This facility also represents a unique milestone for sports on the island with Aitutaki Football being the first sporting code to have their very own office facility.
“I wish for all those involved in football on Aitutaki to enjoy the facility and to make best use of the additional facilities that will be provided in the future. I hope that this facility will create future football stars one day and assist Cook Islands to be a competitive nation within the Oceania region. Congratulations,” Chung concluded.
For more on Cook Islands football go to www.cookislandsfootball.com

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