Governor's Ball Welcomes Real Madrid

Thursday, August 10, was a special night at the Governor's Mansion. Governor Jon Huntsman hosted a Governor's Ball to welcome Real Madrid to Utah. Real Salt Lake, the media, and special guests were in attendance to host one of the world's greatest clubs.

Governor Huntsman started the evening off by thanking Real Madrid for coming to the "best state in the country." He applauded Real Salt Lake and what they do for the community, and wished both teams of the Real family luck in the match on Saturday.

Real Madrid President, Ramón Calderón, spoke next. He expressed the clubs sincere excitement to be here and gratitude at the hospitality they have been receiving. He noted that Real Madrid had recently been named the "FIFA Team of the 20th Century" and of course winning on the pitch was important, but said it was about more then that, "it's about human beings."

Calderón went on to talk about the charity work of the club that reaches across the world and how the world's greatest sport can be used to reach and help others. In closing he presented Governor Huntsman with a Raul jersey, captain of Real Madrid, signed by the entire team, and a model of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and invited Governor Huntsman to visit.

Dave Checketts, owner of Real Salt Lake, spoke last, thanking Real Madrid for coming, thanking the Governor for his support, and thanking the Real Salt Lake team and staff for their hard work. He presented Calderón with a crystal memento of the Xango Cup.

Guests had a few moments to mingle, snap pictures, and ask for autographs. Every player was gracious and more then happy to attend to fans requests.

Utah Youth Soccer Association (UYSA) President Leisa Vineyard was proud to be in attendance to welcome Real Madrid on behalf of Utah Youth Soccer players and their families. We would like to wish both teams the best of luck this Saturday.