AMBASSADOR

Address of Ambassador to the Coca-Cola World Cup Celebration at Plateau Plage (05/18/06)

World Cup 2006 Logo

We all speak football!

All eyes will be turning to Germany in June, as the top soccer teams for around the world compete for the glory of their nations.  For a few weeks, peoples from all countries will be united because they all have the same word on their lips: soccer.  For a few weeks, animosity between nations will dissolve into friendly rivalry as each country cheers on its team.  And for a few weeks, the fact that we all speak football means that we all speak a language of healthy competition and friendship.

The language of soccer is spoken nationally as well as internationally, and that has been very clear to me since I arrived in Cote d’Ivoire.  A few months ago, I saw Cote d’Ivoire unite behind the Elephants as they watched their fine performances leading up to the African Cup of Nations.  In Abidjan, in Bouaké, in Guiglo, and in Korhogo, Ivoirians rejoiced in the successes of Didier Drogba, Kolo Touré, and Arouna Koné. 

The wins – and losses – of the Elephants brought Ivoirians together as brothers and sisters.  When the Elephants lost a tough game in Egypt, the country came together and applauded their valiant performance.  When the Elephants crushed the indomitable Lions of Cameroon, in one of the most breathtaking games I have ever seen, Ivoirians came together in exuberant celebrations in the streets.  In defeat or success, Ivoirians supported their team, and everything else was forgotten.  That is why it is easy to say that we all speak football: it is a language of healing, unity and reconciliation.

That is why I believe that the Elephants’ playing in the World Cup will sustain this feeling of national unity.  The Elephants will be glad for the support: the team will be facing the world’s best when they compete in the World Cup finals for the very first time.  They will face stiff competition from the Argentineans, Dutch and Serbians, all of whom are extremely talented.  Argentina qualified with three rounds to spare.  The Netherlands are old faces in World Cup competitions and have the benefit of long experience.  Serbia and Montenegro finished undefeated at the top of their group. 

Nevertheless, the Elephants will be able to play their very best because they know that all Ivoirians, north, south, east, and west, will be united loyally behind them as they compete.

Je vous remercie.

Allez les Eléphants!