The 2010 FIFA World Cup is right around the corner. From June 11 to July 11, 32 countries will compete in South Africa to be proclaimed the world champions.
Much like the rest of the world unites to watch the event unfold, so too will UCF students, faculty and staff congregate as part of the International Football Fest at the Barbara Ying Center.
Knights can expect to watch games throughout the World Cup on the International Service Center’s 150-inch projection screen. Food, refreshments and prizes will also be given away to students who attend.
According to Rocky Blesso, the cultural programmer for the ISC, UCF has about 1,600 international students who come from more than 120 different countries.
During the 2006 World Cup, International Services held a similar event, Blesso said. At some games, attendance was more than 100 UCF Knights of all nationalities.
“No matter what is going on in the world with respect to politics, religion or conflict, the World Cup is a great time for people to get together to celebrate and appreciate cultural differences,” Blesso said. “The event is designed to be social but also educational in that it promotes health and exercise.”
“I’m a big football fan,” said Benjamin Slaughter, a senior anthropology major. “I’m team USA all the way, but I think it will be great to see some games with people from other countries.”
The Barbara Ying Center will be open for many games on weekdays and will have a special showing of the World Cup Final on July 11.
The idea behind the International Football Fest is to offer an opportunity for students to mingle in a diverse environment united by their love of country and their love of soccer.
“Students were able to show national pride, make new friends and learn about other cultures,” Blesso said of the last International Football Fest.
And although the first game is still a week away, some students are already excited for the World Cup and the International Football Fest.
“I’m really stoked for the World Cup,” said Brent Barnhart, a senior literature major. “It will be awesome to watch some games at the school with other fans at the Football Fest.”
The World Cup has a rich history.
The tournament has been held every four years, except during World War II, since 1930.
The current World Cup champion is Italy, which won in 2006.
With thousands in attendance and millions more watching in their home countries, the World Cup is one of the largest sporting events in the world.
This year’s tournament is history-making as it will be the first World Cup held in Africa.
For those that are worried about how they can get their soccer fix when the World Cup ends, International Services has a round-robin tournament during International Education Week in November of each year.
Prizes for some of the games will be given out during halftime.
For more information and a schedule for the International Football Festival, visit www.intl.ucf.edu. For more information of the 2010 FIFA World Cup go to www.fifa.com/worldcup.