A football contest held on June 21 marked the second major event of the Refugees Week in Brussels. Fourteen teams with players coming from different countries joined the heated competition. The teams consisted of Refugee Committees, united by the Umbrella Refugee Committee; other Belgian organisations; and active communities, which also wanted to be represented and participate.
Gold, silver and bronze were shared between three nations. The team from Palestine claimed first place, followed by Peru in second. Ukrainian Voices came third.
The contest was more than just a competition for the sake of competing. It was organized to show that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. If you share values with someone and want to connect with them, not a single language barrier nor country border will be able stop that. We believe that unity in spirit and strength in diversity bring people together.
It was intense, emotional and joyful. Fans waved flags, cheered for their teams and celebrated the vibrant mix of cultures displayed. But it also was a celebration of pride, identity and community.
This day has been organised by the Umbrella Refugee Committee, UNHCR Belgium and Luxembourg and Ukrainian Voices RC. Amongst the committees there were Women, Ukrainian Voices, Rainbow, Afghan, Iraki, Syrian, and Burundian refugee committees. A partnership that represented the mission of the event as well as the event itself!
