January 3, 2012

HIRDA AFT 2011 was Colourful as Ever......!

This year Amsterdam Fustal Tournament which was held on the 24th and 26th of December 2011 at Sporhallen Zuid in Amsterdam, was as colourful as ever. A huge numbers of Somalia youngsters from all over Europe including United Kingdom, Norway and Switzerland converge in Amsterdam to battle for the championship position of this prestigious event. This event which was organized by HIRDA at the last month of the year is used to bring Somalia youth all over Europe together. The event major goal is to empower the Somali youngsters in the Netherlands and other part of Europe through sport, and foster a true sense of belonging. The event also provides integration opportunity, instills discipline, social interaction and development in these groups of youngsters.

This year event recorded a total of 24 teams contesting against each other for a place in the final, of which 6 of the teams are, participates in project 'Weerbaar door Sport'. The first round which was used to play the elimination series saw only 8 teams emerge for the second round. These teams played against each other in the second round for the final position, which saw Reeuwijk and Birmingham qualifying for the final. The final match that was held on the same day was spectacular, because the two sides were very good, and each one of them was determined to take home the trophy. It was the clash of the titans, as neither side allows the other to win. The match ended-up draw, which saw extra time awarded, but to no avail. The final whistle took the match to penalty, which also ended up draw leading to a second round of penalty that finally produces Reeuwijk as this year winner.

The event was well attended by the Somalia community in the Netherlands and other part of Europe, a substantial numbers of the Somalia elderly were also noticeable at the event. A good number of pressmen were also seen documenting the event and activities as they unfold. A popular Somalia television station known as the Universal TV which is based in the UK was also seen at the event. The event was streamed in real time over the internet to the large Somalia community all over the world and interested audience who were unable to attend.

The award ceremony which took place immediately after the final, witnessed the winning team and their supporters becoming ecstatic as their team lifted the trophy. The Director of HIRDA Mw Fatumo Farah closed the event of this year by thanking all participants and spectators alike. She expresses her gratitude to the newsmen, the officials, and volunteers who made this year event a success. The officials and the media were all awarded for their diligent work and coverage. She also reminded everyone that HIRDA organizes the sports events and debates to engage the younger generation of Somalia in the Diaspora to be proactive in issues concerning the home country and the host country. “Most of the youngsters who were leaving the premises after the event when asked about their opinion of this year event, they all replied that it was spectacular, and that they can't wait for next year event to begin”.