HARMONY THROUGH SOCCER - 19 Aug 2007

Sirennights: "Harmony through Soccer" kicked off to a good start and overwhelming success, thanks to the support of all the participants who was intrigued by the rare glimpse of other faiths and religious beliefs to only realize that there are more commonalities amongst the various faiths and religion than differences, and the importance of maintaining religious harmony in Singapore. And what better way to promote social cohesion than the world's favourite game of soccer, where regardless of race, language or religion ---- you will understand the language and share the love for the game no matter where and who you are. Kudos to HUFC.

(extracted from HUFC)

"It is hoped that the programme will promote cohesion within the various youth teams and teach them to respect the freedom of race and religion of their teammates."

Mr Zainudin Nordin, Mayor of Central Singapore CDC, MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and Deputy President of the Football Association of Singapore, was the Guest-of-Honour to grace the ‘Harmony through Soccer’ learning journey event on Sunday, 19 Aug 07, 8:30am, at the Harmony Centre @ An-Nahdhah Mosque.

The 300 participants, which included players from Home United’s senior, Prime League and age-group teams and their parents were at the event and were split into two groups. The ‘Green Group’ toured the Harmony Centre first and the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery for the second half of their programme while the ‘Orange Group’ were ferried to the monastery’s compound in Bright Hill before returning to the Harmony Centre later in the morning. The emphasis was on learning and tolerance and community efforts to bring people of different faiths and races together, with football as the common link.

It was important to go beyond what Community Engagement Programme is expected of everyone by involving people directly and one of the best ways to do this, as a group, was through football. Using football as a medium, this programme will help to build inter religious harmony. It is hoped that the programme will promote cohesion within the various youth teams and teach them to respect the freedom of race and religion of their teammates. This will be in sync with the national objectives and ensure that religion will not be abused to create conflict and disharmony in Singapore.Well done Home United FC - you are the number one with the community !! -