A CUP OF JOY AND HOPE
Come to cheer and pledge your support for a children’s cause
Kuala Lumpur, 7 September 2012: Faisal Cup, the first and only football and netball tournament of its kind in Malaysia, is back for the seventh year in a row.
Round 1 of the event started on 24 August 2012, continued with Round 2 on 1 September, Round 3 on 15 September (tomorrow) and the Finals on 29 September at SMK Raja Ali, Jalan Ipoh.
The event features around 90 teams, 63 football teams and 27 netball teams, vying for their respective trophies. A total of 441 boys and 243 girls between the ages of 10 to 16 are participating in this joyous tournament and around 2,000 people are expected to attend to cheer the children on.
This also marks the first year the Asian Football Development Program (AFDP) has come on board as sponsors. The AFDP alongside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Mamee-Double Decker are providing their support for the tournament.
"We at the Asian Football Development Project are very proud to be part of Dignity for Children Foundation’s noble efforts to restore hope and empower underprivileged children through education as well as sports,” said HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, Chairman of the Asian Football Development Project and FIFA Vice President representing Asia.
“The Faisal Cup is an avenue for the children, where their dreams can become a reality and through which they can dream and hope. This event is also in line with AFDP’s commitment to engage the youth in Asia in a game for life that promotes social responsibility and development,” added Prince Ali.
The AFDP, a non-profit youth commission founded by Prince Ali and headquartered in Amman, Jordan, focuses its needs-based support on strengthening football development as well as promoting social development through football across Asia.
Back row from left: John Sian Pi, Thawk Hnin Thang, Fais, Sulaiman, Mr. Windsor John, Executive Director of the Asian Football Confederation, Mr. Urs Zanitti, CEO of the Asian Football Development Project, Mrs. Petrina Satvinder, Co-Founder of Dignity for Children Foundation, Thang Sang, Junite, Van San Saw, and Ahmad. 2nd row from left: Shen Ting, Mary, Dai Ling Zing, Pam Mana, Kee Young, Bosco and Han Lay. Front row from left: Nay Ling, David, Lal Duh Thang, Van Hnei Thang, Thawng Lian, Aung Zaw Oo, Jessy, Khin San and Ling Hung Young.
With the encouragement from AFDP, Faisal Cup will also be introducing the Girls’ Football team for the very first time. The delighted sponsors are eager to dispel the misconception that football is only a men’s game.
The debut of the girls’ team will aid in broadening the perspective of the communities. Training for the girls’ teams will begin as soon as this year’s tournament is completed. “We are excited and grateful that the Asian Football Development Project has agreed to journey with us in our humble effort to bring meaning, inspiration and hope to the many underprivileged children out there, who just like Faisal has not had the opportunity and resources to fulfil their dreams,” said Rev. Elisha Satvinder, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dignity for Children Foundation.
Initiated by Harvest Centre Bhd in 2006, Faisal Cup acts as a voice of freedom and opportunity for underprivileged children. Though birthed through tragedy, the story of Faisal losing his life trying to retrieve a ball he saw floating in the Gombak River has inspired a tournament that emphasizes the value of organised sports and the skills and positive attitudes it cultivates in children.
Rev. Elisha went on to say, “Every year we see not just our project grow but the people who are involved in this journey with us grow as well. The joy and laughter the sports bring to the kids, the children’s firm believe that they are one; they are united no matter what colour or religion, the little things most of the privileged take for granted, all these and more, make it all worthwhile”.
The children have been putting in a lot of effort for the tournament and more than 12 coaches were engaged to provide training for over a period of nine weeks. This year, the organisers have also introduced a Peace Camp, a camp that teaches the children how to achieve personal peace and how to be at peace with others. The camp also focuses on the importance of sportsmanship and anti-bullying.
The Foundation is also hosting a Pledge-A-Ball campaign that will run year round to help create awareness and raise funds for the Faisal Cup. The public is encouraged to take action and pledge RM40 for just one ball. These balls will be used for training purposes as well as for future Faisal Cup tournaments.
This campaign is in keeping with Dignity for Children Foundation’s efforts to ensure that no child will ever have to give up their life just for a chance to play with a ball. Further information on this campaign can be found on the Dignity for Children Foundation’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dignityforchildren.
For the many underprivileged children just like Faisal, organized sport is a place of freedom, equality, hope, dignity and a place where they can truly strive for more. The proud organisers, Dignity for Children Foundation and the esteemed sponsors, the Asian Football Development Project (AFDP) are working together to ensure that children from underprivileged backgrounds have an equal opportunity to play in a safe environment. If you are interested in sponsoring Faisal Cup or volunteering for the tournament, please visit http://dignityforchildren.org/programs/faisal-cup.
For more information please contact Dignity for Children Foundation at +603 4044 1397 or visit http://dignityforchildren.org/. Event Details Dates : 24 August, 1 September, 15 September, 29 September, 2012
Venue : SMK Raja Ali, Batu 5, Jalan Ipoh Time : 7.30am Contact Person(s) : Hassan and Beant Kaur Contact number : +603 4044 1397 Website : http://dignityforchildren.org/
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