2010 FIFA World Cup ends, Spain is soccer champions, but real winner is South African people, Ban Ki Moon says.
UNITED NATIONS: Following the final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the United Nations assessed the tournament as a "great success" for all involved parties and concluded that irrespective of the result of the final, the "real victor of the 2010 World Cup is Africa and the South African people," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's press office said in a statement.
The Secretary-General acknowledged the efforts of the South African government and the local organizing committee in organizing and sustaining an event of this magnitude. "Its organization surpassed expectations, as the tournament took place in a positive spirit and safe environment for athletes, fans, observers, and local community members alike," the statement said.
Ban commended FIFA for its commitment to using the momentum and attention of football's greatest stage as a catalyst for development and economic stimulus for the African region. He expressed the UN's readiness to work with FIFA and other international sporting organizations in connection with future global mega sporting events, focusing on achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
He said the 2010 FIFA World Cup has given the use of sport as a development tool an incredible burst of momentum that has been felt throughout the UN System, and expressed hope that the momentum will carry through in the coming years and be amplified even further through the engagement of governments.(KUNA)
