'Sports in Paradise' continues with hosting of beach soccer world cup

Fri, Nov 27th 2015, 12:08 AM

Over the past two years, The Bahamas has hosted two International Association of Athletic Federation’s (IAAF) World Relay Championships, the inaugural Popeyes Bahamas Bowl, some of the best collegiate men and women’s basketball teams in various tournaments, two Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classics, the Miami Heat, Dolphins, and Florida Panthers, the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships, and the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Beach Soccer Championships just to name a few.

According to Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Daniel Johnson, that is just the beginning of things to continue as they continue to market this brand of “Sports in Paradise”. Over the next two years, three global events are expected to be held in The Bahamas. In addition to the third edition of the world relays in 2017, The Bahamas is set to host the 2016 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Flag Football World Championships in Freeport, Grand Bahama, and the 2017 FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) Beach Soccer World Cup in New Providence.

During the launch of the 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup on Tuesday evening, Minister Johnson said that if FIFA and Beach Soccer Worldwide are looking to combine beaches, music, football, art and entertainment, they have brought the right people to the right place at the right time. A total of 16 teams will compete in the event, including The Bahamas which qualified as the host nation.

“We have this brand, and we are the best in our class in this tourism brand. The brand is called ‘It’s Better in The Bahamas’, and it has been the number one brand in the world for about 40-50 years. What we are seeking to do now is to explain why it is better in The Bahamas,” said the minister. “We’ve always had the best sun and beautiful sea. We’re just adding one more ‘S’ to that, and that’s sports. We have launched our sports tourism brand, and it called ‘Sports in Paradise.’

“There is only one country in the world called The Bahamas and there is only one island called Paradise Island, and FIFA has been there twice. We have to congratulate Anton Sealey and his executives at the BFA for what they have done consistently over the years. We also congratulate the NSA (National Sports Authority), the Ministry of Tourism, and all who will assist in staging this grand event in paradise.

“What we really want the world to see is that the world’s fastest growing sport is bringing its premier event here to The Bahamas, and we intend to put on a show. The world will get to see why it’s better in The Bahamas. We look forward to 2017 as a watershed moment in The Bahamas and for the Caribbean and for the soccer world. It’s a match made in heaven and we thank you. You have this ministry’s and the Government of The Bahamas’ full support.”

Bahamas Football Association (BFA) President Anton Sealey is one of the people who were instrumental in bringing the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup to The Bahamas.

The 2015 Beach Soccer World Cup was held at Praia da Baía in Espinho, Portugal. The host nation defeated Tahiti for the title. Prior to that, the event was held at Tahua To'ata Stadium in Papeete, Tahiti, in September 2013, and Russia won the title that year, defeating Spain in the championship match. That was the second straight beach soccer world cup title for Russia. The beach soccer world cup is held every two years.

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