Members of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, personnel from the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, the Ministry of Tourism and the National Sports Authority, and members of The Bahamas men's national beach team, come together for a group shot during the start of the nine-month countdown for the event. The offical emblem and promo video were revealed last night. (Photos: Ahvia J. Campbell)
From the sands of Praia da Baía in Espinho, Portugal to the beautiful beaches of The Bahamas comes the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, set for April 27-May 7 of next year.
A two-minute action packed promotional video and the unveiling of the official emblem for the event, signified the beginning of the nine-month countdown to the biggest football-related event to ever hit these shores.
The world’s governing body for the sport, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), is bringing its signature beach soccer event to The Bahamas. Bahamas Football Association (BFA) President Anton Sealey said during the start of the nine-month countdown last night that a new facility is being built at the foot of the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge here in New Providence to accommodate this event, and Bahamians could expect a high-flying, acrobatic experience.
A total of 16 countries will compete in the global event.
“This is a very exciting time for the BFA and football in this region in general,” said Sealey last night. “For 11 days, the Islands of The Bahamas will play host to some of the most exciting, acrobatic football that we have ever seen. We are working very hard, because we know the impact that this event will have not only in the local sporting community but also economically for the country as a whole. We have put together a very talented group of individuals to serve on the Local Organizing Committee, and we look to put together a formidable side ahead of the event.
“We will be participating in a world cup final and that is massive. Right now, the team is in Switzerland getting tremendous exposure. This is the highest level of football in the world but I have every confidence in the preparation of the team. I think that they will be highly competitive. I would love to see them win in front of the home fans but I think they will perform well and make every Bahamian extremely proud of their efforts. Who knows... we may even sneak away with a top three finish.”
The Bahamas men’s national beach team is currently undergoing an intense six-week training regimen in Europe. They have already played matches in Austria, Italy and Switzerland; and in three more weeks, they will join their counterparts here in New Providence to continue training and preparing for the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. General Manager of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman Jeffrey Beckles said that hosting this event is another giant step for The Bahamas in becoming the premier sports destination in the world.
“The Commonwealth of The Bahamas will once again be in the spotlight as we welcome the world to our shores as we play host to the 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup,” said Beckles. “We are extremely proud to reveal this beautiful imagery tonight which not only represents what we are as Bahamians, but also, it embodies the spirit of what it means to be Bahamian. We are confident that the thousands of visitors who will embrace our shores to experience this magnificent tournament will see the vibrancy and color of our country and they will have an unforgettable experience as they interact with the warm Bahamian hospitality. We encourage Bahamians everywhere to get involved to ensure that this event will be the best event that FIFA would have put on in its history.”
The two-minute promo video features shows multiple youngsters from different ethnic groups playing beach soccer on the beaches in The Bahamas, signifying kids from all nations coming together through the sport. The objective of the piece is to show that people all over the world love to play the sport, and to show the beauty of The Bahamas. The video was created and directed by Bahamian Charlie Smith.
The official emblem incorporates a series of design features that unite the positive uplifting nature of the 11-day tournament and the local culture of the host country, The Bahamas. It is in the shape of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup trophy, and the vivid colors reflect the pristine landscape and culture of The Bahamas. An orange sunset hovers above three pillars. The first column shows a silhouette of a player performing one of the athletic feats that beach soccer is known for. It is fitted with 19 white dots which represent the islands of The Bahamas. The center pillar features a feather which references the country’s national bird, the flamingo. The third pillar is a wave which serves as a reference to the crystal clear, turquoise waters and the hundreds of kilometers of beach and coast that make up the Bahamian archipelago.
According to Sealey, the new facility that is expected to be completed by November, will be the best in the region and rival any beach soccer facility in the world. He said it will transform the entire area.
“It’s a tremendous honor to host a FIFA event of any kind, especially one of its premier competitions such as the beach soccer world cup. We are ready,” said Sealey. “Beach Soccer is the fastest growing aspect of football in the world so for us to host this event is a tremendous honor. It speaks well of the confidence that FIFA has in the local federation and the Local Organizing Committee. FIFA jealously guards its brand. They don’t allow just anyone to use its brand so the fact that they have entrusted us with hosting this event speaks volumes to the confidence that they have in us.”
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Daniel Johnson said that this FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will be one of five global events hosted in The Bahamas next year, which is all a part of his ministry’s “Sports in Paradise” brand that is taking the world by storm.
“We have this brand out there that is a world-class brand, and we are continuing on this journey into the business of sports,” said the minister. “Last year, 7.6 trillion dollars was spent on sport and leisure travel. Our brand has a market share anywhere in the world, and that is ‘It’s better in The Bahamas’. The world knows that we have the best beaches, so it as easy for us to say that beach soccer is better in The Bahamas.”
The 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is being staged in conjunction with the BFA, the sports ministry and the Ministry of Tourism. Official information on the event can be found at the website fifa.com/beachsoccerworldcup. The public can follow Team Bahamas at https://www.facebook.com/beachsoccer2017.
Sheldon Longley, Guardian Sports Editor
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