HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 53

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2010

INTRODUCED BY

Antonio "Moe" Maestas

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE GOVERNOR DECLARE JUNE 11, 2010 AS "WORLD CUP DAY" IN THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, soccer, or football as it is known throughout the world, is the most popular sport on the planet earth; and

     WHEREAS, held every four years, the federation internationale de football association, FIFA, world cup is the world's biggest sporting tournament; and

     WHEREAS, the national soccer team of nearly every country in the world tries to qualify for the world cup; and

     WHEREAS, only thirty-two teams qualify for the world cup finals every four years; and

     WHEREAS, the world cup is broadcast to every corner of the world; and

     WHEREAS, soccer is the most popular recreational sport for both boys and girls in the United States and has been so for more than thirty years; and

     WHEREAS, soccer continues to grow in popularity in New Mexico and the United States; and

     WHEREAS, the United States men's national soccer team has qualified for and appeared in eight world cups, including the last five, and has qualified for and will appear in the 2010 world cup in South Africa; and

     WHEREAS, South Africa has the honor of hosting the 2010 world cup, bringing the tournament to the continent of Africa for the very first time; and

     WHEREAS, the host country, South Africa, will be playing Mexico, "El Tri", in Johannesburg on Friday, June 11, 2010, at 8:00 a.m. local time in the inaugural game;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to declare June 11, 2010 "World Cup Day" in the state of New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the office of the governor, the office of the lieutenant governor, the economic development department, the cultural affairs department and the tourism department.

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