Football for Peace in full swing

More than 6,000 young players from some 300 teams across the country, aged 12-21, are now competing in the first Philippine Football Championship Cup.

Also known the "Football for Peace," the event was organized by the United Nations Information Center-Philippines and the Philippine Retirement Authority Members Association Foundation Inc. in line with the celebration of the international year for the culture of peace.

Launched last week in Tanay, Rizal, the tournament will also be showcased in two other venues – Davao and Palawan – in November. After the regional games, plans are underway to stage the national championship series next year to coincide with the start of the UN-designated International Decade for the Culture of Peace.

Luis Torres, UNIC information officer, said a culture of peace connotes such values as cooperation, tolerance, understanding, friendship, solidarity, sharing of resources, and respect.

"And it is through football that we want to convey the message of peace because not only does it encourage teamwork and cooperation but it’s a game where Filipinos can excel since height doesn’t matter here," Torres explained.

The tournament, sanctioned by the Philippine Football Federation, is supported by the Philippines Sports Commission and the Department of Education, Culture and Sports.