Distinguished guests, and participants from all over the world who are honoring this occasion by their presence:
I welcome you to Korea, and to the city of Yeosu, and sincerely thank you for your paticipation in the competition.

Although more than 500 milion people across the world share the same enthusiasm for fishing, the reality of the matter is that, wherever we go in the world, fishing is considerred a mere pastime. Knowing that it is up to the fishermen of this era to continue developing fishing into a globally recognized sports, we are hosting the second Fishing World Cup.
As an NGO, the World Sports Fishing Federation faced many difficulties in hosting the competition, such as inviting participants from accross the world, solving the problem of the costs involved, and making this competition a truly international event. But it is my pleasure and humble honor to be able to say that we have overcome all the obstacles, and the Fishing World Cup 2003 is being held in Yeosu, Korea.

At present, some fish populations of the world have almost reached the point of exhaustion, and fishing areas have been polluted. If this keeps up, there might be no place to fish within a few years.
The Fishing World Cup 2003 will therefore also provide an opportunity for people to learn from each other how different nations are protection their fish resources and fishing locations. By sharing such information, we will be able to come up with better ideas to conserve and protect these resources. It is my hope that the Fishing World Cup will inspire sishermen from across the world to join together in protecting the fish population and fishing locations of the global village, and that more people will take an interest in conserving the environment as a result.
Fishing is a form of spots that can build up character because it allows a person to become one with nature, and to cultivate oneself spiritually, through meditation, and self-examination, and learing to be patient and tolerant.

I firmly believe that this tournament will be an opportunity for fishermen from across the global to come together and be a part of the movement to promote loving one''s family and loving humanity as a whole. Moreover, the competition will also unite the Eastern and Western cultures and through international exchange and cooperation, contribut to world peace.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the organizing staff and the participants fron each nation for your hard work and cooperation. May God's blessing be with you and your families.

I wish you all the best!!

Thank you very much.