FIFA, soccer's international governing body, has named Japan’s captain
Homare Sawa as the Women's World Player of the Year. The 33-year-old
scooped the award, known by the French term the Ballon d’Or, for leading
her country to Japan’s first ever World Cup Finals triumph in July last
year. She won the best player and top scorer awards at that tournament.
Ms Sawa wore a pale blue kimono at the prize-giving ceremony. She stood
next to Lionel Messi, who won the men’s award for the third year in a
row. An emotional Sawa told the audience: “I feel very pleased to have
been given this honor. I'd like to thank all those who have helped me to
play soccer….I hope our football has given a chance for future players
and children to dream."
Sawa is the first Asian player to win the award. She beat Brazil’s
Marta, who was best female player in the world for the five previous
years. Japanese Aya Miyama came fourth. Sawa later paid tribute to the
Brazilian ace at a news conference, saying: “I am proud to be sitting
here today alongside such legends as Marta.” Japan picked up another two
awards at the ceremony. Norio Sasaki, manager of the women’s team, was
coach of the year, and the Japan Football Association was chosen for
FIFA’s Fair Play award. Mr Sasaki thanked those who supported Japan
following the earthquake and tsunami that struck in March 2011. He said:
"We provided excitement for Japanese people and boosted their spirits.”
--http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1201/120111-homare_sawa.html
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