A celebration of equality in Antiracism World Championship

ROME – The ‘Anti-racism World Championship’, an important annual event in Italy, this year celebrated the hundredth Anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela under the theme “Be the Legacy”.

 The Ambassador of South Africa to Italy, H.E Shirish M.Soni, was a special honoured guest at the important annual event which seeks to fight racism and all forms of discrimination through non-competitive tournaments of football, volleyball, basketball, touch rugby and cricket. The event took place from the 4 to 8 of July, 2018 in Castelfranco near Modena in Italy and was facilitated by the South African Embassy in Rome partnered with the Nelson Mandela Foundation in South Africa.

 As well as Mandela, this year also marks 100 years since the birth of Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu, a shining example in the struggle for freedom in South Africa. The latter is being celebrated under the theme “A Woman of Fortitude” and celebrations and commemorative events are being planned throughout the year in South Africa, as well as all over the world, honouring the incredible story of both respected figures.

 The Championship, which is in its 22nd edition, promotes sport as a tool for social inclusion to combat racism and discrimination, exemplifying the theme of the Nelson Mandela Centenary to “Be the Legacy”, and attracting hundreds of young soccer players and volunteers to partake in the summer camps. During the programme the Ambassador met with the young soccer players to recount the story of Mandela’s life and his historic contribution towards a democratic, non-racist, non-sexist South Africa.

 “I am truly grateful for the partnerships that have been developed across Italy,” he said, and described his aim to “build on the legacy of Nelson Mandela and Albertina, to improve the quality of life for all South Africans and fight against the triple challenges of persistent poverty, unemployment and inequality.” He also highlighted how President Cyril Ramaphosa chose economic growth to be the focal point for Government action, and “will host an Investment Summit in October this year and invite major trade partners, key investors and Heads of State. The Summit aims to attract USD 100 billion in investments to South Africa over 5 years.”

 During the championship, the Ambassador gave a live interview to the local radio Fujico, was a special guest at at luncheon with prominent football players and finally paid tribute to Italy for its contribution towards South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy.

 “The trade unions of Italy, along with various parties on the Left of the political spectrum, promoted international solidarity through their support for the struggle against apartheid. The Catholic Church was also a stalwart in supporting the struggle, providing shelter and cover for the people of South Africa during demonstrations against the apartheid government.”

 From the side of the field he added that he was “particularly touched and honoured to be asked the start the first game of the football tournament by kicking the first ball. It was a unique moment, and, given the importance of what this Championship stands for, a deeply symbolic one for me as South Africa’s Ambassador to Italy.”

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