Novazzano, Switzerland—UPF in Ticino Canton, together with the local football club, held the tenth edition of the Peace Cup children's football tournament.
Twelve category E teams of children born in 2012 and 2013 from Switzerland and nearby Italy took part in the tournament, which was held on May 21, 2023, in Switzerland’s southernmost canton of Ticino.
UPF-Ticino President Giuseppe Termine explained in his introductory speech, “The purpose of the tournament is to spend a day full of fun and respect for healthy values such as team spirit, non-violence and non-discrimination.”
This year, more than ever before, the UPF staff became aware that peace education in sports is a big challenge, because fair play by children needs cooperation between coaches, referees, and especially the parents. The cheering fans, eagerly watching from the spectators’ stands, should not interfere in the specific roles of the children on the field, because the moment belongs completely to the players!
It was not easy for the UPF-Ticino staff, together with the coaches, to carefully observe the games under the criteria of fair play and the promotion of peace. In the end, the most deserving team will win the main award, independent of the result on the field.
The winning result was achieved by the Stella Capriasca team, while the main award, the Peace Cup, was conferred on the joyful team Accademia del Talento, who also had the youngest age average.
Of the three special awards, one went to the only girls’ team and the other two to associations for their preparation. One of these associations even created a workshop to help the children understand fair play and the values that support peace. The other team arrived with beautiful posters affirming the significant role of peace in sports.
A big thank you from UPF-Ticino to the organizers, sports clubs, coaches, authorities and all the collaborators behind the scenes!