More than 700 young athletes enthusiastically greeted FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 Organising Committee President Steffi Jones in Schonach on Wednesday evening. The OC head was visiting the Black Forest for the national winter final of the "Youth training for the Olympics" schools competition.

"My goal as OC President is to stoke up anticipation for the FIFA Women's World Cup throughout the nation and promote a feeling of togetherness ahead of this fantastic event. In 2011 we want to join our visiting friends from abroad and stage a tremendous party, just like the one you're having here today," the OC President declared during a round-table discussion, also featuring Schonach-based local hero Hansjorg Jakle (Olympic gold medallist and world champion ski-jumper) and Christoph Burkhard (Paralympics gold medallist).

"The FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 offers a fantastic stage, off the field as well as on it, to underline the power of sport and what we can all achieve through sport," continued Jones, who used the three-hour drive to the Black Forest to sign some 600 autograph cards for the "champions of tomorrow".

After her appearance at "Youth training for the Olympics", the OC President is scheduled to attend a gala at the GOP Varieté in Hanover, where she will reveal the name of the Disabled Sports Person of the Year 2008. "I'm really looking forward to taking part in this important event. Athletes with disabilities are shining examples of how you can overcome adversity in your life," the OC head commented.