UN Sports for Peace event unites communities in troubled Maridi region

UN Sports for Peace event unites communities in troubled Maridi region

UN Sports for Peace event unites communities in troubled Maridi region

17 Oct 2017

UN Sports for Peace event unites communities in troubled Maridi region

Phillip Mbugo

While sports is often about competition, the diverse communities of Maridi have come together in an expression of unity to enjoy a special Sports for Peace event organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The region has been affected by ongoing violence and economic deprivation since civil war broke out in South Sudan in 2013. However, the diverse communities in the area say they are committed to working together to resolve conflict and live in peace.

The Peace for Sports event is being replicated by UNMISS’ civil affairs division in towns across the Western Equatorias to bring communities together. In Maridi, the sports day was attended by hundreds of people who enjoyed a football match between the region’s top two teams, as well as a tug of war - renamed the tug of peace - and athletics events as well as traditional dancing.

UNMISS civil affairs officer, Andrea Lorenzo said the event was held in collaboration with the State Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports.

“It is in this context that we have an opportunity to come together and unite in peace. Rather than going off to the bush, it is an opportunity for young people to excel at sports and to be role models for each other,” he said.

The Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports in Maridi, Peter Saki, said the event provided an important opportunity for people to celebrate peace and supplemented efforts by local authorities to raise awareness about peace building in the region.

“The people of Maridi are peace makers, peace lovers and sports lovers,” he said.