President Bouterse addresses an audience about Suriname receiving the Coca Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy tour. He expresses pride that Suriname, as the Pro Tempore Presidency of UNASUR, is part of the tour. Suriname values soccer and has been trying to qualify for the World Cup finals since 1962, with their silent dream being to make the finals one day. The president urges youth to never forget that they are the masters of their fate and captains of their souls, and to believe in themselves to become champions.

1. FIFA/ Coca Cola World Cup in
Suriname
Presentation October 29 2013

2. President Bouterse addresses audience
Suriname is a football loving country and we
are excited to see the world’s most prestigious
sports trophy… making its historic first ever
tour of Latin America.

3. .
Today I am proud to be present as Suriname
receives the signal honor of being part of the
Coca Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy tour.

4. Suriname, which holds the Pro Tempore Presidency of UNASUR, is
delighted that the finals in 2014 will be held in Brazil - a leading UNASUR
member-state,.

5. Suriname truly values the game of football and has been attempting to
gain a place in the World Cup finals since 1962. .. Although we have not
yet qualified, one silent dream that burns strongly in our hearts is for us
to get to the finals one day.

6. I value Football and other sports to help build both personal and national
character. As a country we celebrate the achievements of our gifted
Surinamese football players and other sports people.

7. I know that in our midst there are upcoming champions. Even though we
are a small country, we have the fire in our belly to bring them to life. I
urge our youth to never forget the words of Invictus:
‘You are the masters of your fate. You are the captains of your
souls!’

8. You have it in you to be champions. We believe in you. We are
supporting your dreams. Today we will let this visit strengthen our
conviction to lift the trophy of victory as winners.

9. Suriname continues to invest in its youth! Thus, we have created the
Caribbean Sports Academy to provide academic sports-training to bright,
talented, young sports leaders across the Caribbean Community, in football,
track and field, swimming, volleyball and others games.

10. I thank FIFA and Fernandes – the local manufacturer of Coca Cola, for
bringing the World Cup trophy to us in this rich multi-cultural
harmonious society. I am confident that all Surinamers will lift their
dreams of performing to the center of the world stage not only in
football but in other sports.i

11. Sports play a major part in shaping the motivation of nations. It helps to
cement values of self-discipline, dedication and courage.