BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH much pomp and ceremony, the FIFA World Cup Trophy arrived at approximately 9:30 a.m. yesterday (Oct. 19) at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport aboard a large bright orange-painted McDonnell Douglas MD-83 jet with the words FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour and Coca Cola superimposed on it.
The arrival of the 18-carat gold Trophy and officials from FIFA and Coca Cola, sponsors of the tour, were greeted by troupe of masquerades, mocka jumbies and string band music.
However, only certain dignitaries, including Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister of Sports Hon. Glenn Phillip and St. Kitts-Nevis Football Association’s President Anthony Johnson, were allowed aboard the aircraft to witness the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Edmund Lawrence, hoist the 13-pound Trophy. The only person in the twin-island Federation officially allowed to touch it.
The Trophy was then taken to the VIP lounge at the airport, where a brief press conference was held.
President Johnson expressed his gratitude that St. Kitts and Nevis is a part of the tour and stated that the trophy would act as a motivation for young footballers.
“The World Cup Trophy represents a symbol of success and a symbol of excellence though St. Kitts and Nevis have yet to play at the World Cup. The trophy acts as an inspiration and motivation to young footballers here in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
He added that football in St. Kitts-Nevis has continued to grow over the years and with the World Cup Trophy coming into the Federation, the discipline would continue to grow.
Prime Minister Douglas hailed the event as a “special occasion” and applauded all who were involved in brining the tour to St. Kitts and Nevis to fruition.
“Everyone understands the excitement...as the excitement is in St Kitts and Nevis, we are thrilled to be included. The government welcomes this tour. Football is large in St. Kitts and Nevis but, after this tour, it will become massive. “
Following the press conference, the Trophy was unveiled by the Governor General and Prime Minister before a motorcade made its way to the Silver Jubilee Stadium for football activities to celebrate the event.
The World Cup is a gold trophy awarded to the winners of the FIFA World Cup tournaments every four years and only past winners and Heads of State would have the opportunity to touch it.
Since the advent 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 date.
The trophy, originally named Victory but later renamed in honour of former FIFA President Jules Rimet, was made of gold plated sterling silver and depicts NIKE, the Greek goddess of victory.
Brazil won the trophy outright in 1970 following their third success in the event, prompting the commissioning of a replacement.
The Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen in 1983 and was never recovered.
The subsequent trophy, called 'FIFA World Cup Trophy', was introduced in 1974. It is made of 18-carat gold and depicts two human figures holding up earth.
