Promoting multi-racialism and healthy lifestyle through football

A carnival atmosphere descended upon Uber Sports Football Courts at East Coast Park on 4 April 2015 as more than 500 players and supporters from various ethnic groups, new citizens and expatriates participated in a unique football tournament with a multi-racial and charitable element.

Organised by YSA, the event witnessed the participation of 56 teams from different ethnic groups, backgrounds and age groups, including the self-help groups, new citizens and expatriates.

Mr Edwin Tong, Member of Parliament for Moulmein-Kallang GRC, lent his support to the tournament’s objective by kicking it off through an exhibition match involving players from various ethnic groups.

The tournament’s multi-racial thrust saw not only teams from different ethnic groups but also a multi-ethnic component within each team. This is line with its aim of closer interaction and networking among youth of different backgrounds, to promote greater cultural and racial understanding and respect in Singapore and, at the same time, encourage a healthy and dynamic lifestyle. The tournament also looked towards providing a platform for the Sikh participants to play an active and responsible role in nation-building by propagating the values synonymous with the Singapore ethos.

Following some 120 matches in the preliminary and knockout stages, MIB 2 emerged champion in the “Open” category while La Plata Dynamics took top honours in the “Veterans” category. In the “Youth” category, RSA Hawks emerged victorious and RSA Falcons were crowned champion in the “Junior” category.

The football tournament was supported by the National Integration Fund, Harmony Fund (Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth), Lee Foundation, Football Association of Singapore, Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA), SINDA Youth Club and Narpani Pearavai.