With just 100 days before the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, the dream of hosting one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious event is just about to materialise.
The National Youth Development Agency’s (NYDA) 100 days before kick-off celebrations included the hoisting of the South African flag at their head office in Midrand, the blowing of vuvuzelas, doing the diski dance and singing the national anthem.
“The 100 days before kick-off gives us an opportunity to reflect on what has already been achieved but most importantly an opportunity to get those that are sceptical on board so that they can also do their bit to make the 2010 World Cup a success,” says Steven Ngubeni, NYDA Chief Executive Officer.
The NYDA’s involvement in the 2010 FIFA World Cup preparations started during the run up to the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. The NYDA’s call centre facilitated the volunteer registration process and handled queries, its Youth advisory centres in the four host cities supported the interview for applicants who were shortlisted for training and it also provided the training curriculum and covered some of the training costs for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup volunteers. The NYDA has offered the same support for the 2010 FIFA World Cup volunteers recruitment drive.
In addition, to highlight the work that the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup volunteers did and to inspire South African’s to do what they can to make the 2010 FIFA World Cup a success, the NYDA, which was at the time operating as Umsobomvu Youth Fund painted murals across the country in townships such as, Seshego, Claremont, KwaGuqa, Soweto and Mamelodi.
“Every good deed helps, whether it is reporting crime, cleaning up communities or just being courteous to tourists who will be here for the 2010 World Cup,” he concludes.
Issued by: National Youth Development Agency
2 March 2010
Source: National Youth Development Agency (http://www.nyda.gov.za/)
