Over 3000 children entered the competition which FIFA and SOS opened up to the general public.
Most children were nominated by their families and friends on www.LetsPlayLetsBuild.ca. From across the country children wrote short essays and drew pictures, while their parents shared anecdotes of why they should be chosen.
For participation at the Ottawa FIFA U-20 site children were required to complete the sentence ‘I would like to act as a Captain's Escort and help SOS Children's Villages because…'
All children who were selected as winners will escort the team Captains onto the pitch for one FIFA U-20 match. All children will receive an official uniform from Adidas featuring the ‘Let's Play, Let's Build' logo. The will also receive seat tickets for the game for themselves and their parents.
Escorts Holding the World Cup
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In Victoria, SOS hosted a special event on June 13th in partnership with the local FIFA U-20 organising committee. Here children who entered on-line could add their names again for the chance to win.
Many local dignitaries and soccer representatives attended, and assisted in the draw for the winners. Colin Linford, President of the Canadian Soccer Association, brought the FIFA U-20 World Cup trophy with him!
Children were thrilled to get a chance to see the trophy and also enjoyed face painting, drumming and great food.
Escort with the Uniform from Adidas
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In Vancouver, SOS Children's Villages drew the winners names at a Vancouver Whitecaps match, in the stadium that is host to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The names were drawn by Bob Lenarduzzi, President of the Whitecaps and SOS Children's Villages Ambassador, and members of the Canadian Women's National Team.
U-20 Team, Drawing Escorts
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In Edmonton, the winners were drawn in Churchill Square at a FIFA U-20 pep rally.
Local children were thrilled to meet the Canadian Men's U-20 Team, and win a chance to escort them onto the pitch!
Craig Forrest with an escort
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In Toronto, SOS Children's Villages were part of a large event at Yonge & Dundas square. Thousands of people were there to celebrate the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup with SOS and the FIFA partners.
FIFA for SOS Ambassador Craig Forrest was present to describe his experiences in Africa and announce the names of the lucky winners of the Captain's Escort draw.
Soccer Day in the Capital on Sparks Street
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In Ottawa, SOS, CBC and the local FIFA U-20 organising committee held ‘Soccer Day in the Capital.' Crowds gathered on Sparks Street Mall to enjoy cultural music and dancing, as well as face painting and a Soccer Fun Zone.
Many winners and their parents were present to celebrate the exciting news about their participation in the FIFA U-20 World Cup.