San Juan (Puerto Rico), Oct 17 (IANS/CMC): A health project of football’s government body (FIFA) is to be implemented in the Caribbean region over the next three years, officials have announced.
The medical project, 'FIFA 11 For Health', was among topics discussed by officials who attended a meeting in Puerto Rico hosted by FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb, reports CMC.
“At CONCACAF, we are looking forward to the implementation of this programme, with the first regional pilot project meeting set for March 2015,” said Webb.
“This is an ideal opportunity for FIFA, CONCACAF and governments to further collaborate, as we seek to improve public health in the Caribbean through the power of sports."
The one-day meeting in San Juan brought together FIFA medical staff, the Puerto Rico Football Federation (FPF), government officials and representatives from sports commissions on the island.
The project has been proven to increase health knowledge in participating countries by 15 percent or higher, according to the programme’s published statistics.
“For us, it’s a very important step in the development of football,” said FPF President Eric Labrador.
“Not only to demonstrate that football is more than a sport - it’s a way of health and a way of life for us."