A soccer match can be so much more than a game. It’s a way to unite. To connect on common ground. It’s a time to leave your worries behind. To have fun.
Our volunteers in Bidi Bidi know the incredible power of sports to bring people together. And they had two particular groups in mind they thought could benefit from increased camaraderie – newly arrived refugees from South Sudan, and the Ugandans who are hosting them in their country.
This can sometimes be a contentious relationship. But, said Festo, an ARC volunteer, “I want them to see each other as worthy players.” He knew this lesson could apply both on and off the field. So on Day 81, we held a match.
The team gathered new soccer balls, water, snacks, and even some equipment for the referees. And then they were off. Flashes of red jerseys darted across the field, brows furrowed in concentration, and the crowd cheered as goals were blocked – and made.
It was only one game. But in those 90 minutes, something changed. “When they see that they can play around, both sides together, it brings smiling faces,” said Festo. The two teams lined up after it was all over and shook hands. And Festo thanked them for the kind of sportsmanship that shows what great neighbors can be for each other – friends.
