August 20 2003
SOS Children's Villages at the Under-17 Football World Championship in Finland
20/08/2003 - The partnership between World Football Federation FIFA and SOS Children's Villages sees a new highlight. This time, there will be quite a few of opportunities for SOS Children's Villages Finland in the context of the Under-17 Football World Championship from 13 - 30 August for exposure and communicating the goals of the partnership programme "FIFA for SOS Children's Villages" in their home country.
A stand will serve as a "Centre for Lost Children" during the six match days in Helsinki (Töölö Stadium) to help lost children who lose find their parents or teachers. There, the public will also be offered comprehensive information about the SOS Children's Village activities.
In addition to this, a message highlighting FIFA and SOS Children's Villages collaboration will be read by the stadium speaker before each game.
Moreover, the third Fair Play Tournament between four Finnish SOS Children's Villages and one SOS Youth Facility will take place at the SOS Children's Village Tapiola in Espoo. The tournament host, Village Director Jukka Kotkavuori, considers this Fair Play Tournament as an excellent example of collaboration with the Football Association of Finland.
"Children and adults play football with real enthusiasm. They are not only playing to win, they are playing more to achieve the title of the Fair Play player chosen by a representative from the football association". After their own tournament, the children will be invited to cheer for the future football stars at the match Finland v. Mexico.
The international partnership between FIFA and the SOS Children's Villages started in 1995. The goal of the long-term partnership is to support children and youngsters from SOS Children's Villages and promote their development. Work is carried out locally in various countries in which FIFA has football associations. In Finland, collaboration began five years ago and resulted in the sponsorship of the A national team for the benefit of the SOS Children's Village Tapiola in Espoo.