Mr. Speaker, as a soccer mom, a soccer coach, a referee and an avid soccer player, I am thrilled to report that in Zurich this morning, FIFA awarded the hosting rights for the 2015 Women's World Cup to Canada.
In addition, Canada will host the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2014.
It is a tremendous honour to host the single largest women's sporting event in the world. We know that cities from coast to coast will provide outstanding venues for these exciting games.
Soccer continues to grow in popularity in Canada and the Women's World Cup will build on that enthusiasm.
Our senior women's team, the reigning regional champions, is off to Germany this summer for the 2011 World Cup.
Our government is proud to be a key supporter of these tournaments. They are certain to be highly successful and we look forward to watching Canada's teams play the beautiful game with the world's best right here at home.
I say “go Canada go”.