U-17

In today's ever-changing world it is imperative that a country develop the spirit of friendly cooperation and the willingness to do one's best for the youth who will be the leaders of the world of tomorrow.

The importance of events like the U-17 World Championship simply can not be overestimated, and the success of such events must be assured at the outset. This country was able and ready to host the U-17 World Championship in 1997. It was fully committed to making it a great success.

Familiar with events
Egypt is no stranger to the international events. It is used to hosting visitors; just to remember the International Conference on Population and Development, All Africa Games, Junior Handball World Championship, or Junior Judo World Championship.

Egypt's impressive record in such events stems from its easy accessibility, comprehensive transportation infrastructure, an international communication network, accommodation facilities, a sophisticated hospitality industry indeed capable of catering for any conceivable need.

Hosting the U-17 is an honour to Egypt, it is a pleasure, being capable of fulfilling all conditions with full support of government and people.

Fans of football
Football is Egypt's national pass-time. Never has a sport been so loved, played or supported like it. Enthusiasm for the Championship has reached the point where Egypt's fourteens' teams practised for an event that was three years away. The sports' popularity in Egypt assures fully-booked stadiums at all matches as Egyptians turn out to support their team and cheer for others.



Egypt was the first nation on the African-Asian arena to join FIFA in 1923, only one year after the formation of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).

Indeed Egypt was the only African country to be represented in major international tournaments before World War II. Cairo's Stadium was the first facility in Africa to host 100,000 people.

Since then, Egypt has maintained a strong position in football in the Arab World and Africa, and its love for the sport has increased greatly in recent years.

Attractions
In addition, Egypt's strategic position lies within easy reach of most countries of the world. Its exotic mixture of old and new, past and present, traditional and modern will make for a fascinating trip while enjoying the challenging matches of the U-17. It also has an amazing amount of archaeological treasures and monuments, relics of civilizations long gone.

Taking a balloon trip over the famous Pyramids in Giza is just as exhilarating as diving in the Red Sea, while launching by the Suez Canal can be done as easily as taking a cruise down the Nile River. Such a championship offers the exciting opportunity to experience the thrills of teams from over the world while still enjoying everything Egypt has to offer.

The national carrier, EgyptAir, links most cities in Egypt with the major capitals of the world. Once in the country, a newly renovated transportation infrastructure can get you anywhere you would like to go. Moreover, international communication facilities with a full range of technological means were to be offered.

So, journalists and press agencies were able to keep in contact with their home countries, using special Media Centre and other facilities.

Cairo Stadium holds 100,000 and easily reached of most major hotels and city landmarks. Alexandria stadium holds 22,000. Ismailia also has its own soccer team and stadium which has a capacity of 15,000. Situated on the Suez Canal, Port Said has a duty free zone, where its stadium holds 30.000

Egypt can do it
"The big sport establishments in Cairo ranks at the top of the countries that deserve the honour of hosting and organizing the next Olympics", said Dr. Havelange, President of FIFA, three years before.

During his visit to Cairo, he was surprised at the civilized sport achievements he saw. Actually, this visit gave much support to Egypt's request to organize the Football Juniors World Cup in 1997. "The sportive facilities in Egypt are an architectural high-class piece by all means, I saw in Cairo high-standard sport achievements", said Dr. Havelange.

"At this point I rarely approve any Egyptian request to organize the Olympiad. Also I strongly support Egypt to maintain its membership in the International Olympic Committee", he added.

"Cairo Stadium is surrounded by four other big sportive stadium, in addition to the classy hotels spread around, as well as the Armed Forces guest houses," said Dr. Havelange after his visit to Cairo Stadium, the Center of Conferences in Nasr City and the Olympic Center in Maadi.

When he accidentally needed to make long distance phone calls, Dr. Havelange made contact with Brazil, Switzerland and other countries abroad very easily and smoothly from his residence in the hotel. He was also impressed by the facilities as they are considered a fundamental part of the advanced infrastructure that Egypt maintains.

"You have all facilities that enable you to host the African and universal championships. You also have good management and wonderful organization, as well as big stadium and civilized cities. I'd like to cooperate with you to organize any championship you request," he said.

The eminent guest was really amazed by the indoor modern halls built recently in Cairo Stadium with more than 20 thousand spectators capacity. At this point, Dr. Havelange encouraged the Egyptian sports administrators to request for the Fifth Football World Championship, that needs this type of facilities, to be held in Egypt.

Opening ceremony
President Hosni Mubarak accompanied by Mrs Mubarak attended on Thursday, September 4, 1997, at the Cairo Stadium the opening ceremony of the 4th U-17 Football Championship organized by Egypt for the first time. The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Dr. Kamal El-Ganzouri, the international federation FIFA President Joao Havelange, a number of ministers and senior officials, as well as prominent guests.

The ceremony started with playing the national anthem, then an army musical troupe performed a parade wearing pharaonic costume, followed by a parade of the participating teams and their countries' flags, in addition to the championship flag. 16 teams were in the big football event.