President Türk at the FIFA World Cup

Johannesburg, 18.6.2010  |  press release

At the invitation of the management of the Slovenian national football team, the President of the Republic, Dr Danilo Türk, travelled to Johannesburg to watch Slovenia play against the United States at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

He first visited the camp of the Slovenian football team in the Hyde Park area of Johannesburg, where Slovenian House has recently opened its door. On this occasion, the President addressed participants at the event »Slovenia – Gateway to Europe«, which was organised by the Slovenian Tourist Board, the Football Association of Slovenia and the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovenia in South Africa, Dr Prieur du Plessis. The aim of the event was to present Slovenia as a tourist destination, as well as its sports achievements and business opportunities.

According to President Türk, the FIFA World Cup in South Africa has generated a lot of positive energy around the world. Football is a very democratic game since it is accessible to all without significant investment or large amounts of money, but it does require courage, fairness and all the best features of a sportsman. He went on to say that it is a team sport that unites people. Considering various locations around the globe, South Africa, in his opinion, probably best symbolises the importance of uniting people in terms of politics and culture, as well as sport.

When President Türk afterwards met with the Slovenian football players, he wished them every success and stressed that all of Slovenia stood by them today. The President also believes that their victory over Algeria will go down in history and that the team will be successful in the future, too. He added that some time is needed for us to grasp the full extent of their achievements.

Before watching the match between Slovenia and the United States, President Türk held talks with FIFA President Joseph Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini.

In Johannesburg, President Türk gave an interview for CNBC (Africa Business News).