The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016 Fan Zone was officially opened in Port Moresby on Saturday. Situated in front of the Vision City Mega Mall, it is a place where football fans will be able to come together and share their passion for the game throughout the competition. Fans without tickets for the games will be able to watch them live on the Fan Zone’s big screen and take part in a whole range of fun events and activities.

Taking part in the ceremony that marked the opening of the Fan Zone were 16 young women dressed in the colours of the teams who will be fighting for the title. Following a few words of welcome from OFC President David Chung, an adopted Papua New Guinean, Local Organising Committee Chairwoman Sonia Bien-Aime took the opportunity to address those gathered, pointing to “the unique opportunity that the tournament offers for the development of women’s football in the country and the region and to inspire many young women around the world”.

She added: “The Papua New Guinean government, national football association, LOC and the tournament’s commercial partners are all working towards the success of this tournament and this wonderful Fan Zone. Have fun and enjoy it. It’s for you.” Tournament mascot Susa then took charge of proceedings, inviting Chung and a group of young women to perform the Fan Zone kick-off on the mini-pitch that forms one of its main attractions.

It was then time for Mareani Masani and Dadiigii, two artists well known to the people of Papua New Guinea, to give the first public performance of the official song of PNG 2016, Kumul Susa, a tune that will be heard many times over in the Fan Zone and the tournament’s four stadiums during the next few weeks. It is sure to be the soundtrack of some unforgettable moments.