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05/07 21:39 CDT Soccer fans now have a day to celebrate the world's most
popular sport -- May 25
Soccer fans now have a day to celebrate the world's most popular sport -- May 25
By EDITH M. LEDERER
Associated Press
UNITED NATIONS (AP) --- Soccer fans around the world will now have a day to
celebrate the world's most popular sport every year -- May 25.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution Tuesday proclaiming
May 25 as World Football Day. The sport is called football outside of the
United States.
The day marks the 100th anniversary of the firs t international soccer
tournament in history with the representation of all regions which took place
on May 25, 1924 during the summer Olympic games held in Paris, according to the
resolution.
The 193-member General Assembly adopted the resolution by consensus with a bang
of the gavel by its president, Dennis Francis, to applause from diplomats in
the assembly chamber. It was co-sponsored by more than 160 countries.
Libya's U.N. Ambassador Taher El-Sonni, who introduced the resolution, told the
assembly, "Football or soccer as others call it is t he number one game played
and followed around the globe."
But he stressed that soccer is more than just a game played by all ages on
streets, in villages, schools and courtyards for fun and in competitions.
Because of its "unparalleled position" in the world of sports, El-Sonni said,
"football serves as a universal language spoken across the globe, cutting
across national, cultural and socio-economic barriers."
He said the game has become "a pivotal platform" championing gender equality
and social inclusion, "a common ground where individuals from varying
backgrounds converge, promoting mutual understanding, tolerance, respect and
solidarity."
The resolution acknowledges "the global reach of football and its impact in
various spheres, including commerce, peace and diplomacy, and recognizing that
football creates a space for cooperation."
It also recognizes "the fundamental role" of soccer's international governing
body, FIFA, and the important role of regional and national soccer federations,
as well as relevant associations, in p romoting the game.
The resolution encourages all countries to support soccer and other sports as a
tool to promote peace, development and the empowerment of women and girls. And
it also encourages countries to adopt policies and programs to promote football
and other sports and physical activities.
On May 25, the resolution "invites" all nations, U.N. bodies, international
organizations, academia, civil society and the private sector to observe World
Football Day in line with national priorities "and to disseminate the
advantages of football for all, including through educational and public
awareness-raising activities."
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