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Sports Against Racism in Ireland

National Ambassador for the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and GAA Star, Sean Óg Ó hAilpín has launched Ireland’s largest intercultural sports event “Soccerfest.” The event will take place in Dublin on the 13-14 September with 48 teams representing players from across the world participating. This Year, to mark European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the event includes a “Count Us In” festival which will see professionals from a number of different Sport disciplines providing coaching and organising mini tournaments for young people.Speaking at the launch event in European Commission Representation Office in Ireland, Sean Óg Ó hAilpín said he was delighted to participate in the festival. “Sport promotes intercultural interaction, understanding and collaboration and has been a key focus of the European Year. It is great that this year's Soccerfest has expanded to include Gaelic games and other disciplines. I hope that the event will inspire young hurlers from diverse backgrounds like my own to become actively involved in the sport." Also speaking at the launch was Brian Kerr, Chairman of SARI (Sports Against Racism Ireland) and former manager of the Republic of Ireland soccer team. “The diverse background of the teams is very welcome, and we have teams representing many different cultures and backgrounds and hailing from every corner of the globe, “ he said, “By expanding this year’s Soccerfest we aim to attract even more cultures and people that we may not have previously reached. This Sportsfest is not only a celebration of culture it is also a celebration of sport and I look forward to taking part in a few of the different sports that will be taking place on the day in the ‘Count Us In’ event. Sports such as Gaelic football, rugby, soccer and athletics will be available for young people to try. I played all of these sports as a kid and it will be great to see the next generation trying their hand at something new. Sport is about encouraging participation and building teamwork and confidence among those taking part.” The Minister of State for Integration, Conor Lenihan TD participated in the launch stating “The participants, volunteers and performers involved this years Soccerfest and Count us in Festival come from such a broad range of backgrounds and cultures and their interaction with one another allows for a great observation of integration amongst all concerned.” During the launch, representatives of the main sporting organisations involved outlined the work they are undertaking in the area of integration. Tonya Allen, Development Officer with the Gaelic Games Association said “As sport is our universal language, engaging young people into a positive, productive and healthy lifestyle can have unlimiting influence in our lives. The Gaelic games family endeavour to embrace positive integration and acknowledge the positive influence that interculturalism brings to our community.” Des Tomlinson, Intercultural Officer of the Football Association of Ireland said “ The FAI Intercultural Football Plan ‘Many Voices One Goal’ recognises that Football can often provide a focal point for a community creating some common ground through which people can collectively come together and interact, a space where Many Voices can strive toward One Goal. SARI through its Soccerfest has for the last 12 years provided the space in Dublin for people from different backgrounds to engage through the medium of football.” Dan Van Zyl, Rugby Development Officer said that rugby is an all-inclusive sport involving all sections of the community. “We welcome all of our new communities at club, and school level and we look forward to participating with the other sports organisations at the SARI "Count Us In" festival.” This year’s Soccerfest and ‘Count Us In’ festival will have a host of family entertainment and fun as well as sport. This will include, a Jamboree, Samba Dancers, Live Music, face painting, clowns, DJs, Punjabi dancers and also information from various organisations working in the field of integration. In addition, live music will be provided by Masamba, Capoeira, the Pease Messangers, Stone and Jezreel and Global Village. Click here for further info