Lakes State launches community football tournament in Juba
By Anak Dut
Lakes State Football Association has launched a community football tournament in Juba on Saturday for foster peace coexistence.
The tournament focuses on promoting peace and community cohesion through sports.
The initiative will leverage the power of football to bring together communities affected by conflict, fostering healing, unity, and hope.
The month-long tournament features eight counties, 6 teams for the legendary cup with participants drawn from the different counties of Lakes State across Juba.
During the opening ceremony, the State Minister of Finance and Planning, Majok Anhiem Dhal emphasized the transformative power of sports for youth affected by conflict, poverty, and violence.
“Sports serve as an avenue for inclusion in productive activities and offer protection from crime and social ills,” Majok remarked.
“It provides a space for growth, a sense of belonging, healing, and holistic development.”
The tournament aims to directly engage more than 500 youth while to indirectly impact over 15,000 individuals.
The initiative benefits from the support of the Governor of Lakes State, Gen. Rin Tueny Mabior and key partners, including Gen. Luka Kuot the Executive Director of Yathdit Deng Kuot (YDK), who pledged SSP 50 million.
Meanwhile, Eng.Boum Makur Thou, a community elite, pledged SSP 40million to support the tournament.
Addressing the gathering, Gen. Luka Kuot, the Executive Director of Yathdit Deng Kuot (YDK), commended Lakes State Youth for their commitment to peace-building through sports.
“Sports build friendship, create relationships, love, and unity,” he said.
On his part, Eng. Boum Makur Thou called on the youth to embrace discipline and love throughout the competition.
Participants and local leaders have lauded the tournament for its tangible impact on fostering peace and unity.
“This tournament has opened new avenues for socialization with teams from areas we were previously unfamiliar with,” said Machar Yoda, one of the participants
According to him, the tournament will foster friendships and strengthen the bonds of unity among all participating teams.
“I want to express my gratitude to the Lakes State Football Association for its unwavering support of the youth in promoting peace within our country.”
Paith Mabor, a spectator, noted that the tournament has fostered love and unity among the communities from Lakes State residing in Juba.
“We have made friends and coexisted beyond our tribal divides. My message to the Association is to continue supporting the youth and include leagues for girls as well,” Mabor said.
“These football activities not only empower us as young youth but also challenge the misconception that we should not participate in sports. It also encourages our parents to trust us more,” he added.
Mabor appealed to the association to continue supporting these teams by providing more opportunities and resources that allow them to focus on positive things.
