The Lion City Cup Tournament organised by the Football Association of Singapore is now in its fifth year. This humble tournament started in 1977 and has grown in stature and importance from year to year and has received increasing world-wide recognition. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Federation Internationl De Football Association (FIF'A) have recognised this tournament. For this year's tournment, we are pleased to welcome friends from Bahrain, Brunei, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Thailand. Unfortunately, Iraq had to withdraw from the competition but it was too late for us to fill the vacant slot in the tourmment with another team we are particularly pleased to welcome Japan which is participating in out tournament for the first time. I em told that previous tournaments have always been keenly contested. This year, the Football Association of Singapore has put in a lot of effort to prepare the two Singapore teams and I hope they will perform better than previous years. I am pleased to note the good attendance at tonight's tournament. It is natural for home crowds all over the world to give the added support end inspirations to the home teams. However, I would like to see them cheer good soccer tactics and play - especially for the visiting teams. We in Singapore not only encourage friendly rivalry in competitive sports but also encourage mutual exchange of social and cultural views. Given the correct spirit and sportsmanship, the tournament will no doubt promote international understanding and goodwill. The organising . ...2/- - 2 - The organising committee has already made plans for visits to places of interest for the foreign teams and there will also be occasions for players to meet at social gatherings. Over the next two weeks you will all make friends, some lasting ones too. I hope you will have a good competition and bring back to your country fond memories of Singapore and the friends you made during the tournament. It is now my pleasure to declare the 5th Lion City Tournament open. .