|
|
|
|
|
|
Port of Call |
LAST UPDATE October 28, 2007
|
|
| site design imagesparkle.com |
| September 2, 2007 |
Vancouver, Canada – Speaking with their feet: The language of football brings nations together in Vancouver |
|
| |
 |
| The Peace Ball squad prepare themselves for their fifth match during the 58th voyage |
As the team bus made its way towards Ambleside Park in Vancouver, Peace Boat’s own football squad - Peace Ball - were in high spirits. “Ganbatte, ganbatte, ikimasho!” (Come on, come on, let’s go!) they chanted, kitted out in their blue, white and red jerseys ready to take on their last opponents. Throughout the voyage they had already played against youths in India, tackled the determination of Palestinians in Jordan, encountered the flair of the Spanish and been welcomed into the national stadium of Yemen. But now in Canada they faced a truly international side. |
site design imagesparkle.com |
 |
| Immigrants across Vancouver come to play football in the International Soccer Exchange |
The International Soccer Exchange Society brings together immigrants of all ages to play football and make worldwide friendships through the Beautiful Game. It was started by Michel Ibrahim in 1996, a Lebanese immigrant himself and once a player for his national side. He has been coaching immigrant teams in Canada for fourteen years and firmly believes in the power of football to overcome any language barriers and cultural differences: “Soccer is the only game in the world that allows you to talk with your foot rather than your mouth”, he explains “It doesn’t matter where you’re from, the only language is football”. |
| |
 |
| Michel Ibrahim understands the power of football in building relationships |
When he lost his four brothers in the 1982 war between Lebanon and Israel, Michel began to look after their children. It was then that he realised the potential of football to build friendship and offer youngsters an escape from their daily reality. “You pass a ball to a kid, he passes it right back to you – it’s an instant relationship” he explains. Now the exchange has grown beyond the immigrants of Canada into a worldwide network of 5,000. The group also helps provide football equipment to those less fortunate around the world and fund footballing visits to Vancouver. “We invite international teams to come and play about every three months” he says, reeling off a list of recent games with Afghan, Peruvian and Russian sides. “Our goal is just to put a smile on those children’s faces” he says. |
| |
 |
| Both teams gave their all in the truly international match |
For today, Michel fielded just one of his many immigrant teams to take on the Peace Ball squad, mainly from across the Middle East. After a few friendly warm up games, it was time for the first eleven of both sides to compete. The match soon got going, each team keen to secure a lead. An early goal at each end kept the game open and closely fought, but it was the zeal of the Japanese visitors that eventually won through and a late succession of scoring finished the match five goals to one. As they tramped off the pitch amid a round of handshakes, the two teams kept up the friendly atmosphere. “Iranians like myself don’t give up that easily” commented one player, “but you guys were good!” |
| |
 |
After the sun had gone down, the players relaxed and enjoyed the new friendships they had made |
As the sun set over British Columbia, the players continued the banter over some cold drinks and a barbecue. “It challenged us! We were running all the time, but we really enjoyed it” said Amir Mozaffari, originally from north Iran. “It’s always nice to meet people from other nations through football – it’s a great way to build friendship” he continued. It’s a view shared by 28 year old Wakako Kaneta, who was awarded Player of the Match and who took part in all five of Peace Ball’s encounters over the 58th voyage. “I don’t speak much English, so soccer is the only way for me to make a connection,” she explained, “You only have one ball, but you can communicate with many people”.
Find out more about the work of Michel and his football network at: www.soccerdreams4kids.com
|
| |
|
|
|
