A day to embrace Nelson Mandela' life and legacy
New Delhi, July 18: Inspired with by Nelson Mandela's words "sports has the power to change the world. It has power to unite people, It speaks to youth in a language they understand," the South African High Commission marked International Mandela Day by seeking to unite the youth with a football tournament named after the anti-apartheid icon.
"This tournament can help youth to channel their energy towards activity that unite communities, promote healthy competition and positive dialogue," South African High Commissioner F.K Morule said at the inauguration of the first Nelson Mandela Soccer Tournament at Springdales School, Dhaula Kuan on Saturday.
Mandela International Day is globally observed every year on July 18, the birth anniversary of the late South African president.
Mandela
shining
beacon
of
democracy:
Narendra
Modi
The success of the tournament was not only measured in the number of goals scored but also by the way it drew children from different walks of life closer.
"Mandela Day celebrations in the school encourages us to research more about South African culture and its people. Through this tournament we cheer for the bonding of both countries with fast-paced soccer," Tanisha Kohli, a student of Springdales School, told IANS.
For the record, the Springdales School team won the tournament.
IANS