1 00:00:10,839 --> 00:00:11,679 Good morning. 2 00:00:12,980 --> 00:00:14,859 One more time, good morning. 3 00:00:14,859 --> 00:00:16,059 Good morning. 4 00:00:16,059 --> 00:00:16,940 That was great. 5 00:00:16,940 --> 00:00:18,359 Okay, who's ready for the World Cup? 6 00:00:19,480 --> 00:00:20,559 Let's do it. 7 00:00:22,260 --> 00:00:25,143 Well, thank you so much to the Somali Health Board for 8 00:00:25,143 --> 00:00:26,518 welcoming us here today. 9 00:00:28,059 --> 00:00:30,079 I am very excited to be here. 10 00:00:30,079 --> 00:00:34,002 Today is one of those days that reminds us what is possible 11 00:00:34,002 --> 00:00:37,600 when a city comes together around a simple idea: every 12 00:00:37,600 --> 00:00:40,578 young person deserves the chance to be part of 13 00:00:40,578 --> 00:00:42,380 something extraordinary. 14 00:00:42,380 --> 00:00:46,402 In just a couple weeks, all eyes will be on Seattle 15 00:00:46,402 --> 00:00:50,618 as we host our first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. 16 00:00:50,618 --> 00:00:54,118 Millions of people, perhaps billions of people, will watch 17 00:00:54,118 --> 00:00:55,798 our city on the global stage. 18 00:00:55,798 --> 00:00:58,838 And I am so excited for the opportunity to welcome 19 00:00:58,838 --> 00:01:00,840 visitors from around the world. 20 00:01:00,840 --> 00:01:04,296 But from the very beginning, I believe that hosting 21 00:01:04,296 --> 00:01:07,671 the World Cup could not just be about what visitors 22 00:01:07,671 --> 00:01:09,280 see when they come here. 23 00:01:09,280 --> 00:01:12,760 It had to be about what our communities and our young 24 00:01:12,760 --> 00:01:16,159 people experience when this tournament arrives. 25 00:01:16,159 --> 00:01:19,584 From my first meeting with the local organizing committee, 26 00:01:19,584 --> 00:01:22,596 I emphasized the importance of a more affordable and 27 00:01:22,596 --> 00:01:26,019 accessible World Cup experience, including for our youth. 28 00:01:26,019 --> 00:01:29,536 And I'm excited that today we are announcing the 29 00:01:29,536 --> 00:01:33,578 boldest local youth access initiative in the country. 30 00:01:39,379 --> 00:01:44,498 I am so proud to announce that our Youth Access Program will 31 00:01:44,498 --> 00:01:49,022 give over 1,400 tickets to young people and their caregivers 32 00:01:49,022 --> 00:01:52,500 from across our region so that they have the opportunity to 33 00:01:52,500 --> 00:01:56,019 to attend FIFA World Cup matches right here in Seattle, 34 00:01:56,019 --> 00:01:57,358 free of charge. 35 00:02:03,640 --> 00:02:06,638 For many of these young people, I know that this will be a 36 00:02:06,638 --> 00:02:08,657 once in a lifetime opportunity. 37 00:02:08,657 --> 00:02:11,591 They'll walk into a stadium filled with energy 38 00:02:11,591 --> 00:02:12,717 and excitement. 39 00:02:12,717 --> 00:02:15,960 They'll watch the world's best athletes compete. 40 00:02:15,960 --> 00:02:18,937 and they'll be part of a moment that connects 41 00:02:18,937 --> 00:02:22,560 people across continents, cultures, and languages. 42 00:02:22,560 --> 00:02:25,092 And years from now, when they think about the World 43 00:02:25,092 --> 00:02:28,062 Cup coming to Seattle, they'll know that this city 44 00:02:28,062 --> 00:02:31,080 made sure that they had a seat in that stadium. 45 00:02:31,080 --> 00:02:34,199 So I want to just thank, from the bottom of my heart, 46 00:02:34,199 --> 00:02:37,960 the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 Local Organizing Committee, 47 00:02:43,900 --> 00:02:47,555 Our Seattle sports teams, corporate partners, a couple of 48 00:02:47,555 --> 00:02:51,211 which will be speaking today, King County, and the many 49 00:02:51,211 --> 00:02:55,740 community leaders who stepped up to make this vision a reality. 50 00:02:55,740 --> 00:02:58,401 This initiative is only possible because so many people 51 00:02:58,401 --> 00:03:01,710 shared a commitment to making making sure that the benefits 52 00:03:01,710 --> 00:03:05,639 of hosting the World Cup are felt throughout our communities. 53 00:03:05,639 --> 00:03:08,947 And today, I'm especially excited to highlight 54 00:03:08,947 --> 00:03:12,419 three of the over 40 youth-serving organizations 55 00:03:12,419 --> 00:03:15,318 who will be helping to distribute these tickets. 56 00:03:15,318 --> 00:03:20,110 The African Youth Sports Academy, yes, round of 57 00:03:20,110 --> 00:03:24,780 applause, is dedicated to empowering African 58 00:03:24,780 --> 00:03:27,887 African youth through access to sports programs and career 59 00:03:27,887 --> 00:03:29,437 development opportunities. 60 00:03:29,437 --> 00:03:32,395 Your commitment to each other and your futures reflects 61 00:03:32,395 --> 00:03:33,717 the very best of Seattle. 62 00:03:38,157 --> 00:03:41,816 And to the Seattle Youth Safety Ambassadors, thank you for your 63 00:03:41,816 --> 00:03:43,538 leadership and your service. 64 00:03:43,538 --> 00:03:47,157 You are helping to shape safer, stronger communities every day. 65 00:03:47,157 --> 00:03:50,127 You represent a generation that is already making a difference, 66 00:03:50,127 --> 00:03:52,000 and our city is better because of your work. 67 00:03:55,877 --> 00:03:59,758 And finally, to our incredible hosts, the Somali Health Board. 68 00:03:59,758 --> 00:04:07,138 The Somali Health Board Soccer Club focuses on the physical, 69 00:04:07,138 --> 00:04:12,935 mental, and social well-being of every player and exemplifies 70 00:04:12,935 --> 00:04:14,818 teamwork on and off the field. 71 00:04:14,818 --> 00:04:17,644 So today I'm honored to announce these three groups 72 00:04:17,644 --> 00:04:19,220 as a part of this initiative. 73 00:04:19,220 --> 00:04:21,538 Because this is about much more than just 74 00:04:21,538 --> 00:04:23,040 attending a soccer match. 75 00:04:23,040 --> 00:04:25,605 It's about telling young people that they belong in the 76 00:04:25,605 --> 00:04:28,319 biggest moments that our city has to offer. 77 00:04:28,319 --> 00:04:31,144 It's about showing them that the world is larger than they 78 00:04:31,144 --> 00:04:34,800 may have imagined and that there is a place for them in it. 79 00:04:34,800 --> 00:04:38,180 And it's about demonstrating the values that define Seattle. 80 00:04:38,180 --> 00:04:41,379 that opportunity should be shared, that community matters, 81 00:04:41,379 --> 00:04:44,060 and that when something extraordinary comes to our city, 82 00:04:44,060 --> 00:04:47,199 we make sure that everyone has the chance to be part of it. 83 00:04:47,199 --> 00:04:49,699 So thank you all so much for being here. 84 00:04:49,699 --> 00:04:51,120 Congratulations to the young people 85 00:04:51,120 --> 00:04:53,519 who will help make this World Cup a memory 86 00:04:53,519 --> 00:04:54,819 that lasts a lifetime. 87 00:04:54,819 --> 00:04:55,180 Thank you. 88 00:04:57,319 --> 00:05:04,139 - Should I not do that? 89 00:05:04,139 --> 00:05:05,040 Maybe I won't do that. 90 00:05:05,040 --> 00:05:07,281 Okay, I'll just stand on my tiptoes. 91 00:05:07,281 --> 00:05:09,600 This is what happens kids when you're 92 00:05:09,600 --> 00:05:12,887 tiny. Hi everybody and thank you Mayor Wilson. 93 00:05:12,887 --> 00:05:14,757 This is a really fun day. 94 00:05:14,757 --> 00:05:18,120 My name is Jane Broom and I work at Microsoft 95 00:05:18,120 --> 00:05:22,144 and I manage our community affairs and work around 96 00:05:22,144 --> 00:05:23,677 Washington state. 97 00:05:23,677 --> 00:05:25,500 We are so proud to stand 98 00:05:25,500 --> 00:05:28,624 alongside our fellow businesses to help open 99 00:05:28,624 --> 00:05:32,115 doors for the next generation through the Seattle Youth 100 00:05:32,115 --> 00:05:33,028 Access Program. 101 00:05:33,028 --> 00:05:35,180 This is indeed a once-in-a-generation 102 00:05:35,180 --> 00:05:37,218 moment that brings the world together. 103 00:05:37,218 --> 00:05:39,379 As a company that does business all around 104 00:05:39,379 --> 00:05:44,593 the world in pretty much every country that exists, 105 00:05:44,593 --> 00:05:48,463 we know how huge World Cup is to the world. 106 00:05:48,463 --> 00:05:51,718 And it is so exciting for us as a company 107 00:05:51,718 --> 00:05:55,663 who sees this all around the world and know what's going 108 00:05:55,663 --> 00:05:58,730 to happen here in Seattle in the next couple of weeks. 109 00:05:58,730 --> 00:06:00,350 And you all will be front and 110 00:06:00,350 --> 00:06:03,600 center. It is truly a once in a generation opportunity. 111 00:06:06,160 --> 00:06:08,790 At Microsoft, we believe in the power of access, 112 00:06:08,790 --> 00:06:11,879 access to technology, to opportunity and inspiration. 113 00:06:11,879 --> 00:06:14,745 It's what so much of our community affairs 114 00:06:14,745 --> 00:06:16,300 efforts are all about. 115 00:06:16,300 --> 00:06:20,177 By investing in this program, we're helping to ensure that 116 00:06:20,177 --> 00:06:24,310 hundreds of local youth can see themselves on this global 117 00:06:24,310 --> 00:06:28,560 stage and feel the energy of the game and imagine what's 118 00:06:28,560 --> 00:06:30,523 possible for their own futures. 119 00:06:30,523 --> 00:06:33,360 Because when young people feel included, like 120 00:06:33,360 --> 00:06:37,240 they belong, and they can witness something this 121 00:06:37,240 --> 00:06:40,862 big up close, it sparks confidence, it sparks 122 00:06:40,862 --> 00:06:45,180 connection, it sparks curiosity about the rest of the 123 00:06:45,180 --> 00:06:49,521 world, an ambition that lasts far beyond 90 minutes. 124 00:06:49,521 --> 00:06:52,745 We are so honored at at Microsoft to play a small 125 00:06:52,745 --> 00:06:56,540 part alongside our community partners in making Seattle World 126 00:06:56,540 --> 00:07:00,781 Cup a truly inclusive and unforgettable experience 127 00:07:00,781 --> 00:07:04,060 and a very uniquely Seattle experience. 128 00:07:04,060 --> 00:07:05,778 The special, yes, thank you. 129 00:07:07,019 --> 00:07:10,401 Especially the other host city supporters that have put 130 00:07:10,401 --> 00:07:12,911 in a lot of money and a lot of energy to help 131 00:07:12,911 --> 00:07:14,060 make this happen. 132 00:07:14,060 --> 00:07:18,879 the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Alaska Airlines, Boeing, Amazon, 133 00:07:18,879 --> 00:07:22,399 Port of Seattle, Microsoft, University of Washington, 134 00:07:22,399 --> 00:07:25,310 and many other businesses that have stepped up 135 00:07:25,310 --> 00:07:27,540 to do unique aspects and engagements. 136 00:07:29,019 --> 00:07:31,660 Thanks to everybody today, to Mayor Wilson, 137 00:07:31,660 --> 00:07:34,468 to the local organizing committee, Peter, 138 00:07:34,468 --> 00:07:36,951 the sports teams, the business community 139 00:07:36,951 --> 00:07:39,379 for making today's announcement possible. 140 00:07:39,379 --> 00:07:40,980 And I want to hear it, kids. 141 00:07:40,980 --> 00:07:41,879 Are you excited? 142 00:07:44,160 --> 00:07:45,579 That didn't sound very exciting. 143 00:07:47,079 --> 00:07:49,338 Are you going to work on your cheers? 144 00:07:51,579 --> 00:07:52,720 All right. 145 00:07:52,720 --> 00:07:53,180 Thank you. 146 00:07:58,019 --> 00:07:59,259 Good morning, everyone. 147 00:07:59,259 --> 00:08:04,536 My name is Taylor Huang and I am with Amazon, part of the Amazon 148 00:08:04,536 --> 00:08:07,019 community engagement team. 149 00:08:07,019 --> 00:08:10,798 And I share in my colleague Jane's, you know, 150 00:08:10,798 --> 00:08:14,778 remarks in that this is an amazing experience. 151 00:08:14,778 --> 00:08:19,290 And Amazon is proud to support this historic moment for the 152 00:08:19,290 --> 00:08:23,326 Seattle region, community, for all of you and help 153 00:08:23,326 --> 00:08:27,387 make sure more local youth have the opportunity 154 00:08:27,387 --> 00:08:31,326 to experience firsthand as events like this can 155 00:08:31,326 --> 00:08:34,946 inspire them to enjoy the sport, to get out, to 156 00:08:34,946 --> 00:08:37,038 play in the neighborhood. 157 00:08:37,038 --> 00:08:40,841 And expanding access to the FIFA World Cup for young people 158 00:08:40,841 --> 00:08:44,182 across the Puget Sound region is exactly the kind of 159 00:08:44,182 --> 00:08:48,240 investments that can leave a lasting impact in our community. 160 00:08:48,240 --> 00:08:53,461 So we want to thank all of our, you know, our city, our 161 00:08:53,461 --> 00:08:58,403 mayor, our host committee, many of our community partners, 162 00:08:58,403 --> 00:09:02,240 corporate partners for making this happen and coming together 163 00:09:02,240 --> 00:09:05,629 as a community to really, you know, embrace all 164 00:09:05,629 --> 00:09:08,759 that the region has to give and then getting 165 00:09:08,759 --> 00:09:11,503 getting ready and it just warms my heart to look out and see 166 00:09:11,503 --> 00:09:14,744 all of you with your soccer balls and your jersey really 167 00:09:14,744 --> 00:09:16,480 hyped and ready for this. 168 00:09:16,480 --> 00:09:19,080 So thank you. 169 00:09:27,220 --> 00:09:29,019 Good morning everyone. 170 00:09:29,019 --> 00:09:30,798 My name is Najma Usman. 171 00:09:30,798 --> 00:09:33,057 I'm the Executive Director of Somali Health Board. 172 00:09:37,677 --> 00:09:39,038 Thank you all. 173 00:09:39,038 --> 00:09:42,432 We're honored to welcome you today, 174 00:09:42,432 --> 00:09:46,960 to welcome you to our space, and just grateful to 175 00:09:46,960 --> 00:09:49,240 to be here alongside our host partners. 176 00:09:50,320 --> 00:09:53,190 Thank you first and foremost to Somali Health Board 177 00:09:53,190 --> 00:09:54,220 Youth and Families. 178 00:09:58,240 --> 00:10:00,860 Thank you to our wonderful Mayor Wilson. 179 00:10:00,860 --> 00:10:03,600 Thank you to Microsoft Philanthropies, 180 00:10:03,600 --> 00:10:07,278 to Seattle FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee 2026, 181 00:10:07,278 --> 00:10:11,038 King County Metro, Commissioner Hamdi Muhammad, 182 00:10:11,038 --> 00:10:13,057 and all of our partners for being here today 183 00:10:13,057 --> 00:10:15,620 and for investing in our young people. 184 00:10:16,639 --> 00:10:20,580 The Somali Health Board Soccer Club was built to give our 185 00:10:20,580 --> 00:10:22,759 youth something to run toward. 186 00:10:22,759 --> 00:10:27,086 We started as a grassroots effort through Saturday 187 00:10:27,086 --> 00:10:30,998 community field days, and now we've grown to something 188 00:10:30,998 --> 00:10:35,166 we're incredibly proud of, a soccer club with 12 competing 189 00:10:35,166 --> 00:10:38,960 teams across Washington State, free of charge. 190 00:10:42,860 --> 00:10:45,436 Providing our young people access to this 191 00:10:45,436 --> 00:10:48,527 once-in-a-generation sporting event right here 192 00:10:48,527 --> 00:10:51,288 in our home city of Seattle, it's more than an 193 00:10:51,288 --> 00:10:52,740 exciting experience. 194 00:10:52,740 --> 00:10:56,918 It's a statement that our youth belong on the world stage. 195 00:10:56,918 --> 00:11:00,596 They belong as fans, they belong as athletes, and 196 00:11:00,596 --> 00:11:02,298 as our future leaders. 197 00:11:02,298 --> 00:11:07,820 It's a statement that is incredibly heartwarming, and 198 00:11:07,820 --> 00:11:10,940 we're excited to be here today. 199 00:11:10,940 --> 00:11:14,086 Thank you, all of you, for believing in our youth, 200 00:11:14,086 --> 00:11:17,080 for making opportunities like this possible. 201 00:11:17,080 --> 00:11:21,543 Um and we're just getting started i'd like to quickly 202 00:11:21,543 --> 00:11:25,298 give a an acknowledgement to Coach Muhammad 203 00:11:27,879 --> 00:11:32,364 who i don't see at the moment but um he has really 204 00:11:32,364 --> 00:11:37,076 been instrumental in building our soccer club to 205 00:11:37,080 --> 00:11:38,538 to what it is today. 206 00:11:38,538 --> 00:11:41,100 We have a handful of our coaches here present. 207 00:11:42,100 --> 00:11:45,840 I know I see Coach Gossam, I see Coach Charles. 208 00:11:45,840 --> 00:11:47,120 I know there are other coaches. 209 00:11:47,120 --> 00:11:49,220 Oh, Coach Mohammed, there you are. 210 00:11:51,080 --> 00:11:55,259 Thank you all for mentoring our youth 211 00:11:55,259 --> 00:11:59,600 and for just being amazing people and change makers. 212 00:12:00,639 --> 00:12:02,298 We're grateful for all of your leadership 213 00:12:02,298 --> 00:12:04,038 and dedication to our youth. 214 00:12:05,057 --> 00:12:08,460 And I'd like to quickly ask Commissioner Hamdi 215 00:12:08,460 --> 00:12:10,519 if you'd like to say a couple words. 216 00:12:11,620 --> 00:12:13,139 Thank you so much for being here. 217 00:12:13,139 --> 00:12:18,923 - I won't take up too much time, but I do wanna say, 218 00:12:18,923 --> 00:12:21,259 Najma, thank you so much to the Somali Health 219 00:12:21,259 --> 00:12:22,320 Board and the work you do. 220 00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:25,918 As the first Somali elected official in Washington State, 221 00:12:25,918 --> 00:12:28,355 I'm so proud of this moment and what it means 222 00:12:28,355 --> 00:12:29,379 to our community. 223 00:12:30,778 --> 00:12:34,298 Soccer isn't just a game for so many people in this room. 224 00:12:34,298 --> 00:12:35,918 It's really about safety. 225 00:12:35,918 --> 00:12:39,418 So many of our young kids in this room play soccer to stay 226 00:12:39,418 --> 00:12:42,200 away from so many troubling things in our community. 227 00:12:42,200 --> 00:12:45,519 And so I really want to thank Ali Mario and 228 00:12:45,519 --> 00:12:47,278 Nejima for this work. 229 00:12:47,278 --> 00:12:50,658 And I hope the biggest legacy that Seattle leaves and our 230 00:12:50,658 --> 00:12:54,301 region leaves is continuing to invest in soccer 231 00:12:54,301 --> 00:12:57,230 continuing to create opportunities for our young 232 00:12:57,230 --> 00:12:59,440 people and making resources for them so thank you 233 00:13:01,120 --> 00:13:08,503 great job now I'm up can you tell I'm excited my name 234 00:13:08,503 --> 00:13:13,418 is Deshawn Quinn I'm the director of regional 235 00:13:13,418 --> 00:13:16,841 partnerships at King County Metro King County Metro 236 00:13:16,841 --> 00:13:20,293 is so proud to stand with this coalition thank you 237 00:13:20,293 --> 00:13:24,264 for your leadership Mayor Wilson Peter Tomizawa our 238 00:13:24,264 --> 00:13:28,301 friends at Microsoft our our friends in the community, 239 00:13:28,301 --> 00:13:32,591 the Somali Health Board, and other community groups who 240 00:13:32,591 --> 00:13:35,177 will receive Match Day tickets. 241 00:13:35,177 --> 00:13:38,139 At King County Metro, our mission is-- 242 00:13:38,139 --> 00:13:42,879 our entire reason for being is to hold open wide 243 00:13:42,879 --> 00:13:45,320 the doors of opportunity. 244 00:13:45,320 --> 00:13:48,480 Everyone knows that every day we connect 245 00:13:48,480 --> 00:13:52,625 We connect hundreds of thousands of people to their jobs, 246 00:13:52,625 --> 00:13:57,269 to school, to appointments, shopping, but now more than 247 00:13:57,269 --> 00:14:02,519 ever, we also connect people with the biggest moments on 248 00:14:02,519 --> 00:14:05,158 the biggest stages. 249 00:14:05,158 --> 00:14:08,216 We know this global event is a huge opportunity 250 00:14:08,216 --> 00:14:11,889 to celebrate our region's culture diversity and 251 00:14:11,889 --> 00:14:16,298 honor important community traditions that extend 252 00:14:16,298 --> 00:14:20,455 benefits far beyond the tournament itself. 253 00:14:20,455 --> 00:14:23,259 We are counting down the days. 254 00:14:23,259 --> 00:14:24,634 All along we've worked 255 00:14:24,634 --> 00:14:27,418 closely with community organizations to generate 256 00:14:27,418 --> 00:14:30,995 excitement around the matches with grant funding 257 00:14:30,995 --> 00:14:35,590 to help build long-standing relationships as they design and 258 00:14:35,590 --> 00:14:40,471 host experiences that celebrate cultural identity while 259 00:14:40,471 --> 00:14:45,360 expanding access to inclusive community-centered 260 00:14:45,360 --> 00:14:48,730 activities. We are affirming our commitment 261 00:14:48,730 --> 00:14:52,570 to supporting the essential travel needs of our 262 00:14:52,570 --> 00:14:57,379 communities. Our transit network will carry both the 263 00:14:57,379 --> 00:15:00,826 excitement of summer soccer season and keeping people 264 00:15:00,826 --> 00:15:04,897 moving where they need to go most over the next 265 00:15:04,897 --> 00:15:09,009 month. We're already on the move. 266 00:15:09,009 --> 00:15:13,322 Our waterfront shuttles are on the streets 267 00:15:13,322 --> 00:15:17,399 offering free rides thanks to our sponsors and 268 00:15:17,399 --> 00:15:21,293 extending access for riders from here and around the 269 00:15:21,293 --> 00:15:24,743 world to Seattle's soccer summer and some of the 270 00:15:24,743 --> 00:15:28,500 best cultural destinations that Seattle has to offer 271 00:15:30,220 --> 00:15:33,634 including the Seattle Center, the waterfront, 272 00:15:33,634 --> 00:15:37,572 Pioneer Square, Chinatown International District. 273 00:15:37,572 --> 00:15:41,158 It's also fulfilling to create this moment with 274 00:15:41,158 --> 00:15:42,686 our partners. 275 00:15:42,686 --> 00:15:46,120 After months of coordination to 276 00:15:46,120 --> 00:15:51,897 help today's youth be a part of this epic experience. 277 00:15:51,897 --> 00:15:57,000 Most of all, we look forward to match days as we 278 00:15:57,000 --> 00:16:00,369 shepherd hundreds of kids to the games. 279 00:16:00,369 --> 00:16:03,840 Our faces will hurt from all the smiling. 280 00:16:05,240 --> 00:16:09,894 We can already hear the cheers from hundreds of our 281 00:16:09,894 --> 00:16:14,658 biggest fans at the site of our big Metro limousine, 282 00:16:14,658 --> 00:16:17,692 pulling into the community, and it's there 283 00:16:17,692 --> 00:16:19,379 for them, exclusively. 284 00:16:21,139 --> 00:16:24,941 And we'll be there again, like we always are, at 285 00:16:24,941 --> 00:16:28,840 the end of the day, when the confetti is swept up, 286 00:16:30,500 --> 00:16:33,499 and Metro gets everyone back home safe and sound. 287 00:16:34,918 --> 00:16:38,345 I want to end with thank you, but I also want to 288 00:16:38,345 --> 00:16:42,158 echo a conversation we had a long time ago. 289 00:16:43,379 --> 00:16:46,057 This is about broadening the benefit, 290 00:16:47,200 --> 00:16:52,820 and I am so proud and happy to join this coalition, 291 00:16:52,820 --> 00:16:53,960 to join this mayor, 292 00:16:55,019 --> 00:16:58,239 that we make broadening the benefit real. 293 00:16:58,240 --> 00:16:58,658 Thank you. 294 00:17:03,820 --> 00:17:05,115 That's awesome, Deshaun. 295 00:17:05,115 --> 00:17:08,317 I mean, following a guy who is like a foot taller 296 00:17:09,798 --> 00:17:13,596 and a giant of a man with these giant words, 297 00:17:13,596 --> 00:17:15,593 I really appreciate the opportunity to 298 00:17:15,593 --> 00:17:16,615 say hello to you all. 299 00:17:16,615 --> 00:17:18,660 I'm Peter Tomizawa. 300 00:17:18,660 --> 00:17:22,076 I'm the CEO of the Local Organizing Committee. 301 00:17:22,076 --> 00:17:25,115 Mayor, thank you for your leadership in making 302 00:17:25,115 --> 00:17:28,000 sure our World Cup moment reflects the value 303 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:29,679 of our community and our city. 304 00:17:29,680 --> 00:17:30,500 Thank you for that. 305 00:17:30,500 --> 00:17:31,298 That's genuine. 306 00:17:33,019 --> 00:17:36,395 And I want to say thank you again to the local businesses, 307 00:17:36,395 --> 00:17:39,778 the major corporations that all made this moment possible. 308 00:17:39,778 --> 00:17:43,173 There are a couple of them are standing up with us today, 309 00:17:43,173 --> 00:17:46,390 but there was a coalition well beyond that and I don't 310 00:17:46,390 --> 00:17:49,778 have enough time to name everybody and every people that 311 00:17:49,778 --> 00:17:53,076 helped us but you know we started thinking 312 00:17:53,076 --> 00:17:56,990 about the world the youth access program well before 313 00:17:56,990 --> 00:18:00,180 any of this started and I want to recognize two 314 00:18:00,180 --> 00:18:02,000 two people who are sitting in the crowd today, 315 00:18:02,000 --> 00:18:05,000 Maya Mendoza Ekstrom, Beth Knox. 316 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:05,420 Beth Knox. 317 00:18:11,317 --> 00:18:15,278 Beth Knox is the chair of our board. 318 00:18:15,278 --> 00:18:18,336 Maya and Beth were co-chairs of the bid, 319 00:18:18,336 --> 00:18:20,740 and when we were proposing that the World Cup 320 00:18:20,740 --> 00:18:23,356 ought to come here, I distinctly remember 321 00:18:23,356 --> 00:18:26,977 I remember Maya getting up on the podium right where I'm 322 00:18:26,977 --> 00:18:31,134 standing and talking about what this could mean for the 323 00:18:31,134 --> 00:18:33,278 youth of our community. 324 00:18:33,278 --> 00:18:37,317 She challenged everyone to think about how would this 325 00:18:37,317 --> 00:18:40,921 look 20 years from now for that eight-year-old to that 326 00:18:40,921 --> 00:18:44,460 14-year-old that would be able to potentially attend a match. 327 00:18:44,460 --> 00:18:46,419 And we took that to heart. 328 00:18:46,420 --> 00:18:49,990 We brought that vision, those words to reality today, 329 00:18:49,990 --> 00:18:51,576 all thanks to all of you. 330 00:18:53,000 --> 00:18:55,220 And I love what you said, Deshaun. 331 00:18:55,220 --> 00:18:57,815 I just want to emphasize the point about making 332 00:18:57,815 --> 00:18:59,076 transportation free. 333 00:19:00,116 --> 00:19:02,980 We're going a different way than a lot of other cities. 334 00:19:02,980 --> 00:19:05,428 I know I was supposed to not compare us to other cities, 335 00:19:05,428 --> 00:19:09,019 but I just can't help myself because we are leaders. 336 00:19:09,019 --> 00:19:10,240 We have the largest-- 337 00:19:13,380 --> 00:19:18,028 We have, I can confidently say, we have the largest 338 00:19:18,028 --> 00:19:19,519 youth access program. 339 00:19:19,519 --> 00:19:22,635 We have the most comprehensive free transportation 340 00:19:22,640 --> 00:19:24,951 on match days, free transportation 341 00:19:24,951 --> 00:19:28,096 along the waterfront for the entirety of the summer, 342 00:19:28,096 --> 00:19:31,096 before, during, and after the World Cup. 343 00:19:31,096 --> 00:19:32,640 Transportation along the waterfront is free 344 00:19:32,640 --> 00:19:34,318 because of all of you. 345 00:19:34,318 --> 00:19:37,500 Amazing. I think that's just fantastic. 346 00:19:41,259 --> 00:19:44,587 But we're not just today celebrating access to a 347 00:19:44,587 --> 00:19:47,836 match. It's really about access to belonging. 348 00:19:47,836 --> 00:19:52,355 And I would like to ask the children, because this is really 349 00:19:52,355 --> 00:19:54,660 about you, to please stand up. 350 00:20:02,220 --> 00:20:05,140 This is why we do what we do. 351 00:20:05,140 --> 00:20:07,615 And I hope that 20 years from now when you are 352 00:20:07,615 --> 00:20:10,576 full adults, you'll come back and remember the time 353 00:20:10,576 --> 00:20:13,660 and give back to the community the same way we're trying to 354 00:20:13,660 --> 00:20:15,200 give opportunities for you. 355 00:20:15,200 --> 00:20:18,201 And that's how the cycle of goodness continues 356 00:20:18,201 --> 00:20:19,278 to move forward. 357 00:20:19,278 --> 00:20:22,230 And so, kids, I really, really appreciate everything 358 00:20:22,230 --> 00:20:23,278 that you're doing. 359 00:20:23,278 --> 00:20:24,471 You guys can sit down. 360 00:20:24,471 --> 00:20:26,596 I know that I'm a boring old Asian dude. 361 00:20:28,200 --> 00:20:32,096 But this moment is really all about you. 362 00:20:32,096 --> 00:20:35,317 And then so thank you for being here to-- 363 00:20:35,317 --> 00:20:38,759 I guess it didn't take much to skip school, does it? 364 00:20:38,759 --> 00:20:40,960 To be here, but thanks for skipping school. 365 00:20:42,419 --> 00:20:44,076 You know, as we prepare to host the world, 366 00:20:44,076 --> 00:20:45,978 there's been a lot of focus on what Seattle 367 00:20:45,978 --> 00:20:48,460 will show the world, and we'll do that for sure. 368 00:20:48,460 --> 00:20:52,159 We'll show our passion, our beauty, our innovation, 369 00:20:52,159 --> 00:20:56,557 but what more importantly is we're going to show ourselves. 370 00:20:56,557 --> 00:20:58,428 We have an opportunity, and I'm glad that the 371 00:20:58,428 --> 00:21:00,096 mayor's changed her talk track a little bit. 372 00:21:00,096 --> 00:21:01,940 She used to talk about millions on TV. 373 00:21:01,940 --> 00:21:03,326 It's billions, okay? 374 00:21:03,326 --> 00:21:05,871 Sorry. It's billions of people that are 375 00:21:05,871 --> 00:21:09,875 going to have their eyeballs on Seattle for the summer of 2026. 376 00:21:09,875 --> 00:21:14,298 And this is our time to show the world who we are. 377 00:21:18,615 --> 00:21:21,490 And going back to that moment that I talked about, 378 00:21:21,490 --> 00:21:24,154 the Maya moment, yeah, we're going to host six 379 00:21:24,154 --> 00:21:25,700 matches on a global stage. 380 00:21:25,700 --> 00:21:26,891 We're going to do that. 381 00:21:26,891 --> 00:21:28,207 It's going to be amazing. 382 00:21:28,207 --> 00:21:29,269 It's going to be fun. 383 00:21:29,269 --> 00:21:31,712 There's going to be a whole bunch of people from 384 00:21:31,712 --> 00:21:34,721 all over the world celebrating on our brand new beautiful 385 00:21:34,721 --> 00:21:38,045 front porch at the waterfront, but all celebrating throughout 386 00:21:38,045 --> 00:21:39,361 the entirety of the city. 387 00:21:39,361 --> 00:21:43,990 but our true measure of success after that final 388 00:21:43,990 --> 00:21:48,269 whistle is blown is really how do we feel about 389 00:21:48,269 --> 00:21:52,499 ourselves as we move forward as a city as we move 390 00:21:52,499 --> 00:21:55,951 forward as a region as you move forward as a state and 391 00:21:55,951 --> 00:21:59,324 that's really going to be the measure of success that 392 00:21:59,324 --> 00:22:02,395 we're going to do we've got over 40 legacy programs 393 00:22:02,395 --> 00:22:05,259 of which one of these is our youth access, 394 00:22:05,259 --> 00:22:07,499 but the real measurement is gonna be 395 00:22:07,499 --> 00:22:09,356 how we feel as a people. 396 00:22:09,356 --> 00:22:11,278 How do we feel about being together? 397 00:22:11,278 --> 00:22:15,557 We're gonna showcase to the world what unity looks like. 398 00:22:15,557 --> 00:22:19,459 We're the best example of that amongst all the host cities, 399 00:22:19,460 --> 00:22:23,519 and we're doing it in everything that we say, 400 00:22:23,519 --> 00:22:25,116 but mostly in what we do. 401 00:22:26,278 --> 00:22:29,635 And because of that, more than 1,400 young people 402 00:22:29,635 --> 00:22:32,769 will be able to go to a game, but more than that, they're 403 00:22:32,769 --> 00:22:34,298 going to create memories. 404 00:22:34,298 --> 00:22:37,201 They'll be able to create those memories and pass them 405 00:22:37,201 --> 00:22:38,557 along to their families. 406 00:22:38,557 --> 00:22:42,459 Yes, someday you guys are going to have a family, God willing, 407 00:22:42,460 --> 00:22:45,759 and you're going to talk about this as a moment in time, 408 00:22:45,759 --> 00:22:49,951 but it's really more about how we measure impact 409 00:22:49,951 --> 00:22:51,836 over decades of time. 410 00:22:51,836 --> 00:22:55,766 And for most of us, it just for me personally, it 411 00:22:55,766 --> 00:22:57,778 reminds me of who we are. 412 00:22:57,778 --> 00:23:00,660 And that's what makes this project so special. 413 00:23:00,660 --> 00:23:04,278 We're building a legacy and we're building it together. 414 00:23:04,278 --> 00:23:07,423 So thank you very much for listening to an old 415 00:23:07,423 --> 00:23:10,740 Asian grumpy man harangue about the World Cup. 416 00:23:10,740 --> 00:23:13,419 But again, this is really for you. 417 00:23:27,635 --> 00:23:32,778 First, excuse me, sorry. 418 00:23:44,999 --> 00:23:50,817 On behalf of ACA, African Youth Sports Academy, our youth, and 419 00:23:50,817 --> 00:23:55,910 our families, thank you so so much to Mayor Katie, Katie 420 00:23:55,910 --> 00:23:59,547 Wilson, and the city of Seattle and FIFA for this 421 00:23:59,547 --> 00:24:00,959 incredible opportunity. 422 00:24:02,980 --> 00:24:05,180 Those great -- those tickets were great 423 00:24:05,180 --> 00:24:07,959 memories to our youth we'll never forget. 424 00:24:07,960 --> 00:24:11,298 As you all know, the last time America hosted the 425 00:24:11,298 --> 00:24:13,596 World Cup was 1994. 426 00:24:13,596 --> 00:24:15,817 That was 22 years ago. 427 00:24:15,817 --> 00:24:18,740 And today is the 22nd of August, we're about to host 428 00:24:18,740 --> 00:24:20,439 the World Cup here. 429 00:24:20,439 --> 00:24:23,836 That means our kids that born here will 430 00:24:23,836 --> 00:24:28,111 have the opportunity to win this, this World Cup. 431 00:24:28,111 --> 00:24:31,057 Thank you, Mayor, for giving us the 432 00:24:31,057 --> 00:24:34,721 opportunity to make us feel that we are part of this 433 00:24:34,721 --> 00:24:36,746 community. You just made history. 434 00:24:36,746 --> 00:24:38,420 And for all this youth that's 435 00:24:38,420 --> 00:24:40,895 that's coming up this year for all the centuries. 436 00:24:40,895 --> 00:24:41,960 We'll not forget about you. 437 00:24:41,960 --> 00:24:43,180 We'll not forget about your leadership. 438 00:24:44,259 --> 00:24:46,635 Lastly, I would like to thank Somali Health Board 439 00:24:47,635 --> 00:24:50,336 for the great milestone. 440 00:24:50,336 --> 00:24:52,519 Thank you for amazing opportunities. 441 00:24:56,700 --> 00:24:58,440 I am so nervous, guys. 442 00:25:01,259 --> 00:25:05,895 But we are going to make sure that our youth 443 00:25:05,895 --> 00:25:10,115 youth will be involved in this soccer, in this academies. 444 00:25:10,115 --> 00:25:16,720 We will be amazing to witness this World Cup, and I am so, so, 445 00:25:16,720 --> 00:25:19,596 so glad for this opportunity. 446 00:25:19,596 --> 00:25:23,298 I would like to thank my partner, Deputy of Asia, 447 00:25:23,298 --> 00:25:25,759 Ahmed Hassan, and all the families. 448 00:25:25,759 --> 00:25:27,980 And finally, all the sponsorships, 449 00:25:27,980 --> 00:25:30,356 thank you so much for the opportunity to help us out. 450 00:25:30,356 --> 00:25:33,140 and I would like to thank Allah for this opportunity. 451 00:25:33,140 --> 00:25:34,939 Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. 452 00:25:43,460 --> 00:25:46,240 I think that concludes our comments. 453 00:25:46,240 --> 00:25:48,615 I don't know if anybody has questions. 454 00:25:48,615 --> 00:25:50,375 Is that what you're going to do? 455 00:25:50,375 --> 00:25:51,317 We're going to do a group photo? 456 00:25:53,557 --> 00:25:55,519 There's a question on the floor. 457 00:25:55,519 --> 00:25:56,836 You want to do the picture then the question? 458 00:25:56,836 --> 00:25:58,000 You want to do the question first? 459 00:25:58,000 --> 00:25:59,076 Let's do the question first. 460 00:25:59,076 --> 00:26:01,759 And why don't you get set up for the picture? 461 00:26:01,759 --> 00:26:02,336 Thank you, Peter. 462 00:26:04,019 --> 00:26:05,557 Felipe from . 463 00:26:05,557 --> 00:26:07,336 I know who you are, man. 464 00:26:08,700 --> 00:26:09,980 Thank you for the effort. 465 00:26:09,980 --> 00:26:12,500 I mean, 1,400 tickets is a lot. 466 00:26:14,115 --> 00:26:18,219 I mean, easily, you know, taking an account that is really, 467 00:26:20,076 --> 00:26:24,423 These tickets are going to be used as a clarification 468 00:26:24,423 --> 00:26:26,400 for this organization. 469 00:26:26,400 --> 00:26:29,076 They're going to be distributed among other organizations. 470 00:26:29,076 --> 00:26:32,144 There are over 40 organizations that will be 471 00:26:32,144 --> 00:26:35,875 participating alongside of the Somali Health Board. 472 00:26:36,980 --> 00:26:41,384 And thank greatly to our corporate partners, honestly, 473 00:26:41,384 --> 00:26:45,700 because, as everyone knows, the tickets are not cheap. 474 00:26:45,700 --> 00:26:48,200 and we were not gifted these tickets. 475 00:26:48,200 --> 00:26:50,180 We had to go out and actually raise the money 476 00:26:50,180 --> 00:26:53,557 so that these kids are going to be going to a match. 477 00:26:53,557 --> 00:26:55,759 They're going to get food vouchers. 478 00:26:55,759 --> 00:26:58,480 25% of them will get free transportation 479 00:26:58,480 --> 00:26:59,778 depending on the location. 480 00:26:59,778 --> 00:27:00,740 Thank you, King County. 481 00:27:02,082 --> 00:27:06,082 And it's the most comprehensive 482 00:27:06,630 --> 00:27:09,630 youth access program of any host city 483 00:27:10,555 --> 00:27:13,555 in the entirety of the world cup.