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ARC SUPPORT FOR WORLD CUP BID FLYING HIGH
06/07/2009
Support for Sunderland’s World Cup Bid for 2018 was flying high at this year’s International Friendship & Kite Festival.
Regeneration company Sunderland arc was throwing its weight behind the bid by encouraging visitors to the international event to make their very own World Cup Kite.
Kite makers were asked to write a message on their creations saying why the World Cup should come to Sunderland and the North East in 2018 and then fly it alongside the hundreds of other kites on display.
Visitors also showed their support by signing a ‘Back the Bid’ book, which was displayed alongside the kite-making table in the Family Activities Marquee.
A successful bid would mean qualifying matches during the World Cup finals would be played at the Stadium of Light. However, Sunderland is keen to embrace the whole of North East England in its proposal, ensuring that as many places and people as possible across the region benefit from playing a part in the biggest sporting event in the world.
Simon Elliot, property development manager at Sunderland arc, said: “Securing World Cup status would be a massive coup for not only the city but the whole of the North East. We have proved we can host successful, large scale events but we need to shout about all the other great things this city has to offer.
“The International Friendship & Kite Festival is just one of the massively popular attractions the area boasts. We have enjoyed being part of the Festival for a number of years now and it has been an ideal place for us to drum up more support for the World Cup bid.”
The marquee also showcased the work of pupils at Hudson Road Primary School, who have been working with the arc on creating images of their favourite places in Sunderland. They are soon to be displayed on hoardings at Holmeside, one of the city centre’s key regeneration areas.
An outline bid for Host City status must be submitted by July 8 and FA officials will visit the city on July 14. The final bid must be submitted to The FA by November 6, 2009. In total fifteen cities are competing to be host cities for England’s World Cup 2018 bid.
By logging on to www.sunderland2018bid.com, and selecting ‘Sunderland’ as preferred host city, members of the public can show The FA that they want Sunderland to host matches in the World Cup in 2018.
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