Football Association of Ireland
Press Release
The World Unites in Fair Play
Tuesday, September 18th 2007
The Football Association of Ireland and its President, David Blood, appeal to players, referees, fans and officials throughout the country to help praise and promote the spirit of fair play of FIFA World Fair Play Day.
FIFA is holding the eleventh World FAIR Day over this week, 15th – 23rd September. These dates have been chosen to link this year’s events to another special celebration: the United Nations International Day of Peace (21st September), an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities around the world.
The football family therefore wishes to commemorate the International Day of Peace by using the wonderful game and – most notably 0 its annual Fair Play celebration. This initiative has the personal support of FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.
“Fair Play is essential to our sport and to everyone involved in it,” described David Blood. “We need to cherish and nurture the values of sporting spirit and work tirelessly to keep up the momentum. We are appealing to all football fans in Ireland to help us celebrate FIFA Fair Play Day and the International Day of Peace successfully.”
President Blatter recognizes the fundamental role of Fair Play in sport and the need to apply it to all sporting activities, including children’s activities. “Children need strong values to grow up with, and football, being a team sport, makes them realise how essential discipline, respect team spirit and fair play are for the game and for life,” he commented. “FIFA’s Fair Play campaign involves much more than simply promoting Fair Play on the pitch during a competition. FIFA is committed to encouraging Fair Play in society too, beginning with our future – with children,” he said.
“The common way of commemorating the International Day of Peace is by observing a moment of silence or holding a special ceremony,” the FIFA President added. “FIFA would like to encourage its member associations to do this by gathering around a football pitch, highlighting the values of Fair Play, and reminding the football family of the meaning of peace and the need for commitment to its realization.”
This is the eleventh FIFA Fair Play Day to be celebrated since its introduction in 1997 and the fourth time it will be linked to the International Day of Peace. In previous years, activities have been held in dozens of countries around the world, from grass roots to top-flight football and in many community based projects.
Issued on behalf of the Football Association of Ireland by:
Fran Whearty
Communications Executive
Football Association of Ireland
80 Merrion Square
Dublin 2
P: + 353 1 7037 528
F: +353 1 6614 264
M: +353 87 995 6381
fran.whearty@fai.ie
www.fai.ie
For Further information:
FIFA Media Department
Tel: +41-43/222 7272
Fax: +41-43/222 7373
Email: media@fifa.org
FIFA Communications Division
Press Release
The World Unites in Fair Play
Tuesday, September 18th 2007
The Football Association of Ireland and its President, David Blood, appeal to players, referees, fans and officials throughout the country to help praise and promote the spirit of fair play of FIFA World Fair Play Day.
FIFA is holding the eleventh World FAIR Day over this week, 15th – 23rd September. These dates have been chosen to link this year’s events to another special celebration: the United Nations International Day of Peace (21st September), an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities around the world.
The football family therefore wishes to commemorate the International Day of Peace by using the wonderful game and – most notably 0 its annual Fair Play celebration. This initiative has the personal support of FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.
“Fair Play is essential to our sport and to everyone involved in it,” described David Blood. “We need to cherish and nurture the values of sporting spirit and work tirelessly to keep up the momentum. We are appealing to all football fans in Ireland to help us celebrate FIFA Fair Play Day and the International Day of Peace successfully.”
President Blatter recognizes the fundamental role of Fair Play in sport and the need to apply it to all sporting activities, including children’s activities. “Children need strong values to grow up with, and football, being a team sport, makes them realise how essential discipline, respect team spirit and fair play are for the game and for life,” he commented. “FIFA’s Fair Play campaign involves much more than simply promoting Fair Play on the pitch during a competition. FIFA is committed to encouraging Fair Play in society too, beginning with our future – with children,” he said.
“The common way of commemorating the International Day of Peace is by observing a moment of silence or holding a special ceremony,” the FIFA President added. “FIFA would like to encourage its member associations to do this by gathering around a football pitch, highlighting the values of Fair Play, and reminding the football family of the meaning of peace and the need for commitment to its realization.”
This is the eleventh FIFA Fair Play Day to be celebrated since its introduction in 1997 and the fourth time it will be linked to the International Day of Peace. In previous years, activities have been held in dozens of countries around the world, from grass roots to top-flight football and in many community based projects.
Issued on behalf of the Football Association of Ireland by:
Fran Whearty
Communications Executive
Football Association of Ireland
80 Merrion Square
Dublin 2
P: + 353 1 7037 528
F: +353 1 6614 264
M: +353 87 995 6381
fran.whearty@fai.ie
www.fai.ie
For Further information:
FIFA Media Department
Tel: +41-43/222 7272
Fax: +41-43/222 7373
Email: media@fifa.org
FIFA Communications Division
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