On 31 October 2013, hundreds of people from Nyala watched the final games of a month-long football tournament jointly organized by UNAMID and the South Darfur State Ministry of Youth, Sports, Environment and Tourism. The tournament’s final matches drew a large audience to El Hilal Square Stadium to witness the event and participate in the festive celebrations, which included a peace march, music performances and the award of a trophy to the winning team.

A total 16 teams from Nyala and nearby camps for internally displaced people participated in the tournament, which initially was scheduled begin on International Peace Day, with the finals to be played on United Nations Day. Due to unforeseen delays, the tournament began on 4 October and culminated on 31 October.

Addressing the gathering during the finals, Mr. Tchaptile Bacop, representing UNAMID’s Head of Office for South Darfur, said the gathering of young people in a friendly sports competition served to cultivate harmony. “The tournament inculcated in the young people a culture of love and peaceful coexistence, which translates to the Darfur community as a whole,” he said. “In addition, this tournament showcases the kind of friendship and love that inspires Mission personnel here.”

Also addressing the attendees at the finals was the representative of the Wali (Governor) of South Darfur and Commissioner for Presidential Affairs, Mr. Omer Abakar, who stated that involving young people from the camps for displaced people in such tournaments gives them hope that peace is coming. Mr. Abakar confirmed the Government’s interest in supporting young people in sports activities to contribute to peace in their communities.

One of the players, Mr. Mujahid Ibrahim, said that the tournament motivated the participants to spread messages to others about pursuing peace. Another player, Mr. Najm Jamal, explained that the tournament successfully brought different communities together. "This tournament has linked me to people I didn’t know before,” he said.

On 31 October 2013, in Nyala, South Darfur, hundreds of people watched the final games of a month-long football tournament. Photo by Hamid Abdulsalam, UNAMID.