The Aliguma Foundation's Holiday Slums Soccer Gala held in the heart of Acholi Quarters was a remarkable event that brought joy and nourishment to the lives of over 600 children in the community. This gala was not just about sports but also about providing a sense of togetherness and hope for a better future.
Grateful: Slums Soccer boys teams from the U-14 category pose with the Aliguma Foundation's proprietor Ritah Aliguma (C), L.C III Councillor Ismail Mukoiko (2nd R), foundationl officials and coaches before a clash. (Photo/AF Media)
HOLIDAY SLUMS SOCCER GALA
Collated Results – U14 Boys
Nobles 2-1 Barracks
Shatta Kingdom 1-0 Hasaya
Barracks 0-1 Shatta Kingdom
Nobles 3-0 Hasaya
Nobles 3-1 Shatta Kingdom
Barracks 1-1 Hasaya
Collated Results – U10 Boys
Kiyembe 0-3 Hardgun
NBA 1-0 Warriors
Kiyembe 1-0 Warriors
Hardgun 2-1 NBA
Warriors 0-1 Hardgun
NBA 1-1 Kiyembe
One of the highlights of the day was the generous act of feeding over 600 children. This act of kindness not only addressed the immediate nutritional needs of the children but also symbolised the Aliguma Foundation's commitment to the well-being of the community it serves. It's through such initiatives that the foundation is making a tangible difference in the lives of these young individuals, ensuring they have access to basic necessities like food.
Familiar View: The Slums Soccer Boys Team line-up with one of the seven hills - Mbuya - in the background before the kick off the one-day gala. (Photo/AF Media)
Elite partners
The Aliguma Foundation's success in organising events like the Holiday Slums Soccer Gala would not have been possible without the unwavering support of its partners. The UEFA Foundation for Children, with its dedication to improving the lives of children worldwide through football, played a crucial role in making this event a reality. Their support echoes the belief that sports can be a powerful tool for social change and youth empowerment.
Nottingham Forest player Ola Aina, Juventus player Gleison Bremer and Brazilian physiotherapist Matteo Cicatiello, also deserve special recognition for their involvement and contributions to the foundation's mission. Their commitment to giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that uplift underprivileged children is truly commendable. Their involvement serves as an inspiration for others in the world of sports to use their platform for positive change.
Winners: L.C III Councilor of Banda Parish - Ismail Mukoiko lines up with Boys Under 10 category winners - Hardgun. (Photo/AF Media)
The partnership with Torino FC further underscores the foundation's commitment to sports as a means to create opportunities and hope for the children of Acholi Quarters. Together, they are working to create a brighter future for these young individuals, instilling in them the values of teamwork, perseverance, and determination through the beautiful game of soccer.
More than playing
In conclusion, the Aliguma Foundation's Holiday Slums Soccer Gala, which was organized alongside a true servant of the people L.C III Councilor of Banda Parish Ismail Mukoiko, in Acholi Quarters is a shining example of how sports, community support, and partnership can come together to create a positive impact.
A Meal, A Day: Officials of the Aliguma Foudation and mothers of Acholi Quarters joined hands to serve food to the no-less-than 600 children at the gala. (Photos/AF Media)
By feeding over 600 children on that special day, the foundation not only nourished their bodies but also their spirits, reminding them that they are valued and cared for.
The support of partners like the UEFA Foundation for Children, Aina, Bremer, Cicatiello, and Torino FC is a testament to the power of collaboration in making the world a better place for our children.
One Family: Slums Soccer boys teams from the U-10 and U-14 categories listening to remarks from officials during the awards and closing ceremony of the one day gala. (Photo/AF Media)
Nobles and Hardgun won the respective Under 14 and Under 10 Boys categories of the one-day event overseen by the foundation’s volunteer coaches; Thomas Lodio, Pius Kiwoyelo, Christopher Okeny, Ambrose Otim.
Points Table – U14
Nobles - 9 points
Shatta Kingdom - 6 points
Barracks - 1 points
Hasaya - 1 points
Table Standings – U10 Boys
Hardgun – 9 points
Kiyembe – 4 points
NBA – 4 points
Warriors – 0 points