News > Irish stories > World Refugee Day Kicks Into Action with the UNHCR/SARI Fair Play Cup on 18 June
World Refugee Day Kicks Into Action with the UNHCR/SARI Fair Play Cup on 18 June
11 June 2011
On Saturday the 18th of June, UNHCR Ireland and Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) will be encouraging the public to 'Do 1 Thing' to support refugees this World Refugee Day by coming to the second annual Fair Play Football Cup.
The free family friendly soccer tournament will be held in Dublin's Law Society gardens from 10.30am to 2.30pm and everyone is welcome.
UNHCR will be commemorating the 60th anniversary of the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees which was established in 1951 to help the thousands of refugees across Europe who fled their countries as a result of the war. The 1950’s were also an important time for football as it was in 1950 that the World Cup was resurrected following its cancellation in 1942 and 1946 as a result of the conflict.
The 7-a-side tournament will feature teams drawn from refugee and community groups, Government agencies and members of the media with players from a host of different countries including Angola, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe and Ireland competing in the men and women’s competition.
2010 winners, Hot Press, will again face tough opposition against last year’s beaten finalists SARI/INSAKA, the Department of Justice teams and Newstalk’s Off the Ball team led by presenter Eoin McDevitt, the show’s anchor man will also MC the event.
The Fair Play Cup therefore is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the contribution of refugees in sport throughout Irish communities and to learn more about refugees and the continued plight of millions of people throughout the world forced to flee their homes and seek refuge and protection.
Other entertainment at the free event includes football skills training provided by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) face painting, music and much more for the whole family.
Sophie Magennis, Head of Office, UNHCR Ireland said, “Refugees and displaced people around the world are in a league of their own when it comes to the challenges they face.”
“Despite refugees’ often dire circumstances in very challenging environments, UNHCR has seen how sport can play a key role in helping to build tolerance, understanding and respect among different communities, setting aside cultural differences and giving young people a sense of self worth."
Perry Ogden chair of SARI said, "The 1950 football World Cup was not the first or last time that sport would play a role in achieving a positive spirit of human triumph over adversity and indeed over the next sixty years, the sporting world, in particular football, has played a significant role in the promotion of human rights and integration."
For more information check out the event page on Facebook.
For a map and directions to the Law Society Gardens, please click here
