THE U-17 WORLD CUP EXPERIENCE TROPHY WELCOMED IN SURABAYA
2023-10-29
The people of Surabaya City warmly welcomed the U-17 World Cup Trophy Experience on Sunday, October 29, 2023. The celebration commenced with a cultural procession from Siola to Jalan Pemuda and then to the Surabaya Youth Hall Complex Square.
Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi introduced the Trophy Experience agenda in Siola. The event began with the rolling of an enormous ball and was followed by a parade of flag-waving troops (paskibraka) and drum bands.
The parade continued with children on stilts, a roller skating community, a lion dance, Reog performance, and traditional music. In addition to the cultural procession, the public had the opportunity to view and photograph the U-17 World Cup trophy displayed in a glass box monitored by security personnel.
PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir, along with Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo, attended this event and expressed their appreciation for the fact that the U-17 World Cup Trophy Experience was held in Surabaya.
"I truly appreciate Mas Wali (Eri Cahyadi) for his dedication to preparing Surabaya, and Gelora Bung Tomo for the opening and the National Team's match in Surabaya," said Erick Thohir.
Erick Thohir also stated that the U-17 World Cup Trophy Tour in Surabaya was the best among the preceding cities, as the entire Surabaya community enthusiastically welcomed and enlivened the Trophy Experience.
"I can say today's trophy tour was the best; the public's response to the activities that promote and enhance this World Cup is exceptional," he said.
Erick praised his media colleagues for their support in producing and disseminating information about the U-17 World Cup, which significantly increased public interest in the U-17 World Cup celebrations.
"I thank my colleagues in the media for continuing to support the publication, and this is exceptional. It was 40% yesterday, now it's 70%. So, let's energize Bung Tomo's Gelora," he emphasized.
Erick also called on the entire community to unite behind the Indonesian National Team (Timnas), which is set to compete on November 10, 2023, at the GBT Stadium in Surabaya.
"I certainly hope for the full support of the community because our National Team will begin competing here in Surabaya on November 10 against Ecuador, followed by matches on November 13 against Panama and November 16 against Morocco," he added.
Indonesia's Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, expressed similar sentiments. He thanked Mayor Eri Cahyadi for organizing the Trophy Experience to commemorate the U-17 World Cup.
"On behalf of the government, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Mayor of Surabaya (Eri Cahyadi); this Trophy Tour activity is truly necessary to inform the public more widely," said Minister of Youth and Sports Dito.
Dito encouraged people to actively participate in the U-17 World Cup, which is only a few days away. "Because the U-17 World Cup is just a month away, with only 12 days remaining. Our U-17 National Team will also play here in Surabaya. This can be an inspiration for the younger generation when they watch our proud National Team compete against world-class teams," he remarked.
Meanwhile, Mayor Eri Cahyadi encouraged everyone in the City of Heroes and East Java to join forces and support the return of the U-17 World Cup to life at Surabaya's GBT Stadium.
"Come on, let's breathe life into Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, let's demonstrate our commitment to strengthening and supporting the National Team to help them qualify for the next phase," he concluded.