22 June 2011 - A UNAMID-sponsored 9km marathon through El Fasher, North Darfur, today marked the successful conclusion of a series of community outreach sporting events.

Participation in the marathon was open to all, and included regional sports teams, schoolchildren, local police officers and UNAMID peacekeepers. A medical team and ambulance was also provided by the Mission to ensure the safety of all the runners.

The race was preceded by a volleyball match this morning between female teams from El Fasher town and the nearby internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. The spectators numbered more than 1,500, and included students from three schools which had declared to attend the festivities.

The end of the race, this evening will include a prize-giving ceremony and a concert featuring Darfuri artists which will continue until midnight.

On Friday, a football match was held for displaced children in the city’s largest stadium. The campaign, organized by UNAMID Public Information and dubbed “Run for Peace, Sing for Peace,” offered an opportunity for young people from El Fasher town and IDP camps to meet, work together and foster understanding relationships.


 

Communication and Public Information Division Media Contacts
Kemal Saïki, Director; saiki@un.org; tel.: +249 (0) 92 244 3529; mobile: +249 (0) 92 241 0020
Mayada Umbadda, Media Relations, umbadda@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)91 250 1966