Somalia marks IDSDP 2015
The event was hosted at the FIFA-refurbished soccer facility, the stadium Banadir and was jointly organised by Somali Football Federation (SFF) and Somali National Olympic Committee (NOC)
The president of Somali NOC, Abdullahi Ahmed Tarabi, Somali FA senior vice president, Ali Abdi Mohamed, the deputy minister for youth and sport, Osman Aden Dhuubow, government lawmakers and former Ocean Stars members joined the country’s 25 football clubs and fans who gathered at the facility to observe a full day of events in the commemoration of the global day.
Somali FA senior vice president, Ali Abdi Mohamed, who first addressed at the festival, said it was an honour for the SFF and its clubs to welcome Somali NOC and key government officials to Stadium Banadir to jointly observe the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
“Today we are marking the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace with a festival here at Stadium Banadir and I want to take this opportunity to send a big thank you to FIFA for renovating this facility for Somalia” SFF senior vice president Ali Abdi Mohamed told a gathering.
“It is a great privilege for the SFF that some former child soldiers and street boys who were rehabilitated under FIFA-assisted football for peace initiatives in Somalia are now taking part in the celebrations for the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace” the senior vice president said.
Former national team member Ahmed Abbaas Busuri, who spoke at the event on the behalf of old and current players, said it was a moment of pleasure for him to witness Somalia joining the world in marking such a great day for the whole world of sport.
“I want to confirm that Somali NOC and Somali FA are praiseworthy for the continuation of sports development programmes in the country—me appearing on the stage today shows that old footballers were not forgotten” said the former Ocean stars member who received an award of recognition from the SFF in 2014 for his past contribution to the country. The former footballer is now on a wheelchair.
[This article has been edited by the Operating Team]
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