Introduction:
As we gear up for an extraordinary event on the football calendar, Soltilo Bright Stars (SBS) is proud to join hands with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Uganda Office and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to bring you the TICAD Cup 2023 Women’s Football Tournament. This groundbreaking event, scheduled for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of September 2023 at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru, is more than just a sports competition; it’s a celebration of empowerment, unity, and raising awareness on critical issues.
Promoting Gender Equality and Empowering Women and Girls:
Soltilo Bright Stars has always believed in the transformative power of sports, and this tournament echoes that belief. Sports, as recognized by the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, plays a pivotal role in improving health, education, and empowering women and young people. However, it also goes beyond that. It promotes social inclusion, peace, tolerance, and respect for others. In Uganda, where opportunities for girls in sports are still limited, SBS is committed to changing the game. We’re showing the world that women and girls can dream big and achieve greatness through sports.
Fostering Mutual Understanding:
Uganda hosts the highest refugee population in Africa, and amidst limited resources, peaceful co-existence between refugees and host communities is crucial. Sports, especially football, has the incredible ability to bridge divides and foster mutual understanding. Through previous initiatives in collaboration with JICA Uganda and other partners, we’ve witnessed the power of sports in breaking barriers. In 2022, we held the TICAD Cup for refugees and host community members, a testament to the positive impact sports can have on promoting gender equality, empowerment, and understanding.
Raising Awareness of the Refugee Situation in Uganda:
With over 1.5 million refugees residing in Uganda, the nation plays a crucial role in the peace and stability of the Great Lakes region and East Africa. This football event brings together mixed teams of refugees and host communities, creating an opportunity for them to share their dreams, experiences, and passion for football. By showcasing their stories and coexistence on the field, we aim to promote peaceful coexistence to the Ugandan public and foster a deeper understanding of refugee acceptance in Uganda.
A Platform for Global Awareness:
The TICAD Cup 2023 is not just about football; it’s also about raising awareness of important international initiatives. The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) and the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) are crucial forums for addressing global challenges. Japan, Uganda, and other countries are actively involved in shaping these discussions. By utilizing this tournament as a platform, we aim to shine a spotlight on these initiatives, showcasing how they contribute to development and global cooperation.
In conclusion, the TICAD Cup 2023 is not merely a football tournament; it’s a beacon of hope, empowerment, and unity. Soltilo Bright Stars, alongside our esteemed partners JICA Uganda and FUFA, invite you to join us in celebrating the power of sports to change lives, promote gender equality, foster understanding, and raise awareness of critical global issues. Together, we’ll kick off an event that goes beyond the pitch, inspiring positive change in Uganda and the world.