Don Garber Checks in From Cape Town
December 04, 2009 
3 Comments
Commissioner Don Garber is in South Africa for today’s 2010 World Cup draw. Just before the start of the event he shared a few observations & photos via Blackberry to the Insider. Below are his notes from this afternoon’s festivities in Cape Town.
Today in South Africa I met with Charles who is one of the spokespeople for United Against Malaria. MLS has worked extensively with FC Barcelona and US Soccer to support United Against Malaria and Nothing But Nets; for more information check out unitedagainstmalaria.org
I also spent the day lobbying for USA Bid. Starting with our video presentation to the worldwide media. David Beckham and Luis Figo were on hand to support the England and Portugal/Spain bids. US ambassador to South Africa Donald Gipps was on hand for US.
I also attended the World Cup Draw; there was major pomp and circumstance creating an exciting pre event warm up. South African President Jacob Zuma was here along with delegations from each of the 32 participating teams with lots of football stars and celebrities. The US drew England, Algeria and Slovenia for a very interesting group. The US games kick off June 12th v England.
The Official FIFA hotel
The USA Delegation on the way to WC Draw
Don Garber and Sunil Gulati on World Cup Draw “Red Carpet”
Coach Bob Bradley doing media interviews post-draw
Residence of the South African premier
What’s this I hear about that bastard Figo ruining our video presentation?
On behalf of the World Cup bid for either 2018/2022, as for myself, a long-time Classical Language teacher…….the only thing, (that springs up into my lively mind & passionate spirit, regarding the USA Cup bidders now in South Africa with their eagerly awaiting to make a very vivid & highly-anticipated audio/video presentation to the World Cup Committee Members), is: “CARPE DIEM” ! ! !
I truly wish the USA World Cup bidders all possible success in their true efforts to
secure either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup Tournament for the USA again……The only 2 words that instantly come to my sincerely passionate mind is: “CARPE DIEM”!