As a nation we share a great passion for sport, and a desire to encourage participation in sporting activities, particularly amongst younger people. Nowhere is this truer than in the game of football. Over the years, the World Cup has done much to promote the values of sport globally, and to show how these values can inspire us all.

I hope that the 2006 World Cup will prove just as exciting and inspiring as previous contests, and I send you my best wishes for a successful and rewarding competition.

ELIZABETH R