The Mercy Corps Blog

Blog Post Posted October 19, 2009, 9:52 am by Sanjay Gurung

India's tea country hosts Peace Day football festival

As part of Mercy Corps' celebration of International Peace Day, as football festival was held at the Dhooteray Ground, Darjeeling on the 21st of September, involving people from ten communities. Eight teams were formed including two comprised of children aged 12 to 16. Participants ranged from 7 to 62 years of age.

The participants were welcomed by the Dhooteray community, and the significance of the One Day One Goal campaign was explained. Teams were formed at random, mixing members from different backgrounds and assigned six colours: white, blue, red, green, yellow and orange. Inaugural match was played between mixed teams of boys and girls (age 12-16). Four matches were played between the teams comprised of Community Action Group (CAG) Members. The final pitted the white against the yellow team with the white team emerging as the winners.

Prizes were distributed by the Dhooteray High School teachers, Shankar Foundation (a Mercy Corps partner NGO comprised of People Living HIV/AIDS) and Community Action Group members, and a thank you speech by CAG members of the host community.

The Shankar Foundation participated in this event by putting up a stall and by distributing Information, education and communication materials to the participants and the spectators/school children. They educated the people and students on the causes and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Mercy Corps’ Community Health Workers from Kalej Valley and Lepcha Gaon supported the program by putting up a First Aid Stall. Lunch for all 200 participants was prepared by CAG members of the host community.