The Unity State Ministry of Youth and Sports, with support from UNMISS’s Department of Communication and Public Information, organized a peace football tournament in Unity State’s Mayiendit County over the weekend.
The tournament, held under the theme “Sports for Peace,” featured teams from Mayiendit County and Leer County.
Hosted by the state Minister of Youth and Sports, James Gatluak Gatwich, the tournament kicked off with Mayiendit FC scoring first. However, Leer FC triumphed with a final score of 4-1, claiming the cup.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj after the game, Minister Gatluak emphasized the role of sports in promoting peace and unity. He urged the people of Leer and Mayiendit to use sports as a tool for sustainable development and appreciated his ministry’s efforts and the support from partners.
“Sports is globally known to bring unity and peace. This one-day inter-county peace tournament aims to foster peace among the people of Leer and Mayiendit, regardless of their county,” he said. “As the Minister of Youth and Sports in Bentiu, I will continue to support those who are committed to the interests of their teams and our state. Sports is the only thing that can bring people together despite their differences.”
He promised the two teams that there will be another game between Leer and Mayiendit in three weeks, to be held at Leer Freedom Square.”
For his part, James Madut, the Minister of Peacebuilding in Unity State, said the football tournament was enjoyed peacefully by all attendees.
Meanwhile, Gatjang Majiok Nhial, the President of the Unity State Local Football Association, highlighted the importance of sports in attracting people and spreading messages of peace and unity to their communities.
“This tournament is the first of its kind in Unity State between Mayiendit and Leer since 2018. It was organized as a one-day peace tournament under the auspices of the Minister of Youth and Sports, James Gatluak,” he stated. “This is a golden opportunity for our players to carry out the message of peace and unity. I promise to provide 40 footballs, with 20 going to Mayiendit and 20 to Leer.”
Ruai Malual Jal, the UNMISS representative, congratulated the state government for organizing the peace tournament and urged that it be held regularly to promote peace and unity.
“I congratulate the people of Leer and Mayiendit for this historic event under the supervision of the minister,” he said. “I am very happy with the Ministry of Youth and Sports for partnering with us, and UNMISS will continue supporting your activities across the seven counties.”