Vincentians to share in FIFA World Cup trophy tour

Vincentians will get an opportunity to see the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy, during a stopover here in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday, October 15.{{more}}

Standing 36.5 centimetres tall, the 5 kg 18 carat 75 per cent gold trophy depicts two human figures holding up the Earth. It is expected to arrive here at the E.T. Joshua Airport at 4:19 p.m. where there will be a brief ceremony.

The Buccament Bay Resort will then be the venue for an exclusive experience, where the World Cup trophy will be displayed and invitees will get a chance to have their photos taken with it. Speaking at a press briefing last Tuesday, committee member of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation Donald Thomas listed the trophy tour as “the biggest thing in the history of football in St Vincent and the Grenadines”. Thomas wants Vincentians to give their support to the event and “put St Vincent and the Grenadines to the forefront”.

Meanwhile, president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation Venold Coombs views the visit of the trophy as not just a sporting occasion, but a “tourism exercise”.

The World Cup tour comes courtesy Coca-Cola and is part of a nine- month global tour, covering 89 countries, which officially started in Brazil — its first stop — on September 12.

The FIFA World Cup tournament will be held in Brazil from June 12 to July 13, 2014.

The FIFA World Cup tournament is staged every four years and only past winners and heads of state have the opportunity to touch the trophy.

Since the start of the World Cup in 1930, two trophies have represented victory — the Jules Rimet Trophy from 1930 to 1970, and the FIFA World Cup Trophy, from 1974 to the present.

The trophy, originally named Victory, but later renamed in honour of former FIFA president Jules Rimet, was made of gold plated sterling silver and depicted NIKE, the Greek goddess of victory. (RT)