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2006 FIFA Fair Play Day – the world unites in fair play
FIFA is holding the tenth World Fair Play Day over the week of 18 to 24 September. These dates have been chosen to link this year’s events to another special celebration: the United Nations International Day of Peace (21 September), an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities around the world.
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The football family therefore wishes to commemorate the International Day of Peace by using the beautiful game and – most notably – its annual fair play celebration.
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter recognises 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 most 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 has encouraged 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 realisation.”
This is the tenth FIFA Fair Play Day to be celebrated since its introduction in 1997 and the third time that 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 grassroots to top-flight football and in many community-based projects. This year, in addition to the various activities to highlight fair play in all 207 FIFA member associations, a unique and exemplary effort has been made by the worldwide football family by way of an exceptional publication entitled Football and Peace in the World. The book is a tribute to world peace and the fruit of the relentless commitment of CADENA CIN (Cadena Iberoamericana de Noticias) to collect over 200 dedications to peace from the presidents of each of FIFA’s member associations. The presentation of this exclusive publication to the press is due to take place in Zurich on the International Day of Peace, in Lugano on 25, September, and in Geneva on 26 September.
PaddockTalk Perspective
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