Maguindanao to host UN-backed football tourney for peace

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Sports Commission has joined hands with the World Peace and Sports Program of Monaco royalty Prince Albert II when it holds a football tournament in the Maguindanao Province on April 6.

The one-day football tournament happens to coincide with the United Nations' International Day of Sports Development and Peace aimed at achieving peace in conflict areas through sports, including football.

"We will be holding a one-day football for peace tournament and other activities in Maguindanao in support of Monaco Prince's advocacy to have Peace and Sports become a global movement," said PSC chair Richie Garcia.

Garcia said Maguindanao Gov. Toto Mangundadatu along with Secretary for Peace Process Ding Deles support the project.

Other side events on tap on the same day are artistic event, sporting meet, debate and conference, symbolic activity and workshops.

The UN first launched the program in August last year upon the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee.

Countries that were visited by the program were Ivory Coast, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel, Palestine, Timor Leste, Colombia and Haiti.