June 03 - Casemates Rally Celebrates GFA UEFA Success
Friday evening’s UEFA celebrations once again surpassed expectations, masking Casemates Square with shroud of frenzy and goodwill. The afternoon, which brought about a nostalgia not dissimilar to that of National Day, kicked off with a ticker tape parade through Main Street, displaying all of Gibraltar’s football teams.
At Casemates Square, master of ceremonies Peter Canessa introduced the GFA Delegation. He noted that the number 54 was not only significant to Gibraltar as the 54th member of UEFA, but it also marked the year that Her Majesty the Queen visited Gibraltar.
Speaking to the masses gathered in the square, His Worship the Mayor, Tony Lima extended a most sincere and warmest welcome to the crowd, exclaiming that good things don’t come to those who don’t work hard.
GFA President Gareth Latin took to the lectern to a resounding applause. He insisted that he didn’t know what was worse, speaking at the UEFA Congress, or giving a speech here. He noted that such a huge turnout showed that Gibraltarians support each other. He added that it was a pleasure and a privilege, on behalf of the council, to thank the public for all their support for the Gibraltar FA, during the years.
Gareth insisted that it was great for the GFA to now be in a position to hold the best possible future for Gibraltarian children. He also thanked past and present GFA councils, as without them, this success would not have been possible. He concluded with, ‘now, as Gibraltar, let’s show Europe that we are ready!’
During the Chief Minister’s address, he also paid tribute to former GFA councils. He insisted that ‘all of us together, make up the Gibraltarian family that can achieve what we have achieved in football, in everything else. He also thanked Government legal advisor Michael Llamas for all his work throughout the case, which was heard in the Court of Arbitration. Mr. Picardo insisted that the European playing field had now been levelled. Speaking on the GFA’s feat, he added that nobody will ‘ever deny us again’.
Following the Chief Minister’s speech, the GFA National Team was presented to the crowd as fireworks and confetti marked the momentous occasion.
