‘Football Without Borders’ from Switzerland here from Nov.18-Dec.2
The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), the governing body of Football in the country has initiated a 14- day sport tour for ‘Football Without Borders’ team from Switzerland, who are on a Goodwill Tour of Sri Lanka from Nov.18Dec.2.
FFSL aims to promote exposure of a visiting foreign team to many local clubs as possible. The tour also will serve to promote Sri Lanka not only as a tourism destination, but also to promote Sport Tourism. One of the key objectives here is to increase awareness about the diversity and rich- culture of the country.
“The FFSL is keen on using opportunities like this to interact with Europebased clubs and other organisations to support Football in Sri Lanka for its development programmes and exposure. We are delighted with this opportunity as there are many former professional players accompanying this team. ‘ Football without Borders’ team will also be engaged in a few charity related activities during the tour, extending their engagement in Sri Lanka, beyond Football. We feel the tour will also help position Sri Lanka in Europe as a great tourist destination, as well as for sports tourism, which will certainly gain additional foreign revenue to the country,” said FFSL President Anura de Silva, who was instrumental in making the Swiss team’s visit to Sri Lanka a reality.
The team will be touring the length and breadth of the country with friendly matches organised in the districts of Anuradhapura, Jaf fna, Gampola, Nuwara Eliya and Matara. The Swiss team comprises of 25 members including Gianni D’Agostino - Team Captain, with 16 players and a staff team of 8, which includes for media/photography personnel and a physician. Among them are Hüssu Matur -- the President, Marco Gähler -- Coach, Albi Saner -Spokesman, Kathrin Arnold -Physiotherapist and Stephanie Marti -photographer of ‘ Football Without Borders’.
The goal of ‘ Football Without Borders’ is to break down barriers between states through sport, and to develop Football in countries with lesser resources, while equipping teams with the basic requirements such as footballs, jerseys, pants and socks. In the process, they wish to createe awareness about cultures, land, people and allow a mutual insight into the team’s culture as well. Through synergies with relief organisations and Football clubs, they also strive for sustainable cooperation.
ECD Holidays Chairman Emil Franklin Kronemberg partnered FFSL for the Swiss team’s visit to Sri Lanka, saying his team of holiday specialists are excited to be a part of this great tour and are passionate about planning and organising innovative programmes that match the client’s needs and budgets.
“We look for new ways to improve our services, while remaining committed to perpetually moving forward to meet and exceed the evolving needs and expectations of our customers and partners. We wish team ‘Football Without Borders’ a fruitful stay in Sri Lanka,” he added.