Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/939870
maltatoday SUNDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2018 News PRESIDENT Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca presided over the trophy's arrival ceremony yes- terday, which was attended by FIFA SOS Ambassador and for- mer French national team player Christian Carembeu, as well as Maria Micallef, COO of GSD Marketing Ltd. President Coleiro Preca said that football is a great source of sports diplomacy, describing it as a way forward to improve all those passionate about sports and an activity that strength- ens connections and friendships across cultural barriers. The FIFA World Cup Trophy has re- ceived a presidential welcome upon its arrival as part of the 'FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola'. Football is an international language that has brought people together, encouraged leadership, teamwork, friendship and effec- tive communication skills, she said, adding that the sport was also capable of bringing people together in a non-contentious way to subtly deliver a message of inclusion, participation, peace and active citizenship. The President's Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society and the Malta Football Association have embarked on a joint campaign for this football season, promot- ing zero tolerance of gender- based violence. "Football is an effective way to transcend linguistic and so- cio-cultural differences across borders. Football has the abil- it y to build bridges and to pull down walls. Football can create the necessar y safe spaces where people who may never have had the opportunit y to meet one another can do so in an envi- ronment which is healthy and respectful ", the President told those present. President Coleiro Preca thanked all those who were involved in the preparation and planning of the event. She also expressed her gratitude to Christian Karembeu for his commitment to his FIFA SOS ambassadorial role to help vulnerable children. "It is comforting to know that FIFA is not simply a world foot- ball association," said Coleiro Preca, "but that it has a wider scope in using football as a means of social inclusion." The FIFA World Cup Trophy has received a presidential welcome upon its arrival as part of the 'FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola' President praises sporting virtues as FIFA World Cup Trophy arrives in Malta Former France footballer Christian Karembeu accompanied the World Cup on its visit to Malta