On Sunday November 21st nearly 100 people participated in the annual World Cup Soccer Tournament in Carrigoon GAA grounds in Mallow. This is the 4th year of running this very successful anti-racism event in North Cork. The event is organised by Avondhu Blackwater Partnership under their Integration project in association with the Cork North Garda Division under the Local Community Development Programme. 9 teams participated in an action packed day of soccer which, was highly competitive and great fun!, Immigrants, Locals and members of An Garda Siochana all participated in the various teams at the event. The event happens as part of the “Show Racism the Red Card” initiative that was developed by the FAI a number of years ago and it is rolled out in a variety of communities around the countty.
Paddy Whelan, board member of Avondhu Blackwater, presenting the replica World Cup trophy to Josemar the Brazilian team captain.
This was the 1st year that a team made up of a mixed group of immigrants and local people won. Mallow Warriors won the shield tournament and were presented by Liam Doyle Community Garda in Mallow with Lifestyle sports vouchers. The winners of the Cup were Brazil Charleville who picked up the World Cup replica trophy for the 2nd time, they were pipped at the post last year by a Eastern European team from Fermoy. Nick Phelan Community Garda in Charleville says “that he is delighted for the boys and sees the event as an ideal opportunity for immigrants and locals to meet and mix with each other in North Cork…The Brazil Charleville Team take this event very seriously, as they have taken part in it every year and are always asking Garda Phelan when is Tournament happening again.”
Paddy Whelan a board member of Avondhu Blackwater Partnership presented the World Cup replica trophy to a very proud Brazilian captain Josemar from Charleville along with a voucher from Heatons.
Norma Roche Integration Co-ordinator for the project said “ that she was delighted with the overall success of the event and how sport is an ideal mechanism through which local integration can happen in a non-threatening way, she looks forward to holding the event again next year, as its not just about the players but also about their families and supporters who also come along and have a great day”. She said “we are especially appreciative of all the volunteers to help organise the event which could not happen without the support of local people who give up their time and the local gardai who referee and support the event who also give up their time to participate in such a worthwhile event” .
The Winning Team
For more information on Avondhu Blackwater Partnership and Avondhu Blackwater Integration Project, visit our webpage at www.avondhublackwater.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up to date news on events, courses and other funding opportunities! Also see more photos of the event on our Facebook Photos Page and be sure to add us!!
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