Thousands turn out for football in Jonglei

30 May 2013

Thousands turn out for football in Jonglei

29 May 2013 - More than 4,000 Bor residents and UNMISS staff gathered to watch a football match between the mission and Jonglei State Football Association todayto celebrate International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

The two teams were competing in Freedom Square for the Bor Peace Cup, which was won by Jonglei State Football Association in a score of 3 to 1.

The sports event eased a day of tension in the town due to unexpected security checks and restricted movement.

UNMISS players in the match included some civilian staff as well as military from Korea, Nepal and Rwanda. Applauding the match, State Minister of Youth, Sport, Culture and Heritage Medan Baba said Jonglei State -- best known for cows – would now be acknowledged for football.

"This cup is called Peace Cup, so I need you to recognize this cup as it is symbolized," the minister added.

Jonglei State Deputy Governor Hussein Maar lauded UNMISS for promoting peace in the state and called on the mission to support youth activities like sports.