Distinguished guests and Floorball friends,

On behalf of the International Floorball Federation (IFF) I have the pleasure and honour to announce the fifth WFC U19 for men organized in Turku and Raisio in Finland.

We start with congratulating us all, Floorball players, officials, partners and fans at large, in December 2008 Floorball was granted IOC recognition! The implications of this IOC recognition are many; amongst others all national IFF associations may and shall now apply for membership in their National Olympic Committees (NOC), and take active part in their programs. For many this also means financial support and larger recognition nationally. But this also means that the hard works starts for us! The next steps are of course in order with our Vision; to actively seek participation in a worldwide event, such as the Universiade, and the World Games. The implementation with Youth Olympic Games starting in 2010, and then every fourth year, also gives Floorball new opportunities. We must also continuously grow with quality, and hence further implement the development, marketing and political programs set by the IFF General Assembly and our future strategy work to further boost our growth.

For the first time implemented in the new IFF calendar, we organize the WFC in December, during the season, which was asked by the players, the spectators, and the fans, and not the least by the media. After a few editions it is time to start the evaluation, but already now we saw the impact in December in Ostrava and Prague, that more television companies wanted to broadcast the WFC, and never before has so many matches been produced to so many countries. The world Floorball record of total amount of spectators was also broken.

The growth of Floorball in Finland is strong and one has to give great credit to the good management of the Finnish Floorball Federation for developing Floorball in Finland and actively supporting our international development. To pick a few items, Finland was in 2002 at the WFC men the first ever organizer with many matches being broadcast from a WFC staging a Floorball event at that level. Finland has always supported the international development, and took over the organization of the IFF head quarters in 2005 with a six year long term agreement.

The Finnish Floorball Federation, in co-operation with, and supported by the cities of Turku and Raisio organize the WFC. IFF is very pleased with the FFF as a good organizer, and with top officials and good management. On a number of occasions we have seen top events being organized in Finland, and the level has always been high.

The IFF conveys many thanks to the FFF in cooperation with the cities of Turku and Raisio for organizing the WFC 2009.

Looking forward to seeing you all and a thrilling tournament,

Yours sincerely,

Tomas Eriksson
IFF President