The power of sport to bring together communities will be in evidence in the Phoenix Park this weekend when more than 50 teams compete in the Tesco Mobile Sari Soccerfest.
40 men’s teams, 8 women’s teams and 8 Under-13 teams will compete in the largest intercultural 7-a-side soccer tournament in Europe, tackling racism challenging discrimination and promoting dignity and respect for all.
An ‘All Stars’ game will kick off at 2pm today featuring Olympic Silver medallist John Joe Nevin, boxing hero Darren O’Neill, Newstalk’s Eoin McDevitt and Apres Match’s Gary Cooke. The ‘All Stars’ game aims to draw attention to the issues of racism and discrimination while promoting cultural integration and social inclusion through sport.
“The work that Sari does through football encourages players to connect through mutual respect and understanding, said Former Ireland International John Devine who will be present. “It promotes self confidence and a sense of responsibility. Players call fouls by raising their hand and disputes are resolved without appeal to a higher authority.”
Tesco mobile managing director, Noel Burrows, said; ‘TESCO mobile is delighted to support the work of Sport Against Racism Ireland. We recognise the importance of combating racism and discrimination. Soccerfest 2012 is an important event in that context as well as a great day out with something for all the family.”
The FAI and GAA both support the event through having skills programmes on site over the weekend for players and visitors alike to try their hand.
View all the latest news on the commercial side of Irish sport
Find out more about how Sport for Business can be of benefit to you
Subscribe today for the free Sport for Business daily news digest