On Saturday, the Wild Boars soccer team and their young coach attended the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games in Bueno Aires before playing a friendly game with the junior team of the River Plate, one of Argentina’s most famous sports clubs yesterday.
Since the 12 boys and their 25-year-old coach entered the limelight during the historic Luang Cave rescue operation in July, they have yet to stray too far from the international stage.
During the ceremony, Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) — who extended the invitation last month — said he regarded the Wild Boards as a symbol of strength, perseverance and bravery, reported Workpoint.
“It is what sport is all about. This determination to never give up, to have faith that you can make it. So this was the reason why we invited them here, because this was Olympic spirit at its best,” he said.
Buenos Aires’ mayor, Horacio Rodriguez Larreta, echoed this admiration: “We are very proud to see these boys and very happy to have them here.”
“When the IOC told us this idea, to have them come and play a game, we thought it was great.”
The friendly, which was played in the Estadio Monumental Stadium — iconic for hosting the 1978 FIFA World Cup Final and four finals of the Copa América — resulted in a 3-3 draw.
The official Olympic website reported that the boys later watched some BMX racing and met with Bach personally.
“The kids are very happy to be here, very excited,” said Werachon Sukondhapatipak, head of the Thai Olympic delegation, who also accompanied the team on their once-in-a-lifetime trip, according to Channel News Asia.
“During the rescue operation, many people from around the world came to Thailand to collaborate in order to save them … They feel they owe everyone around the world.”
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