...as Kuchingoro IDP camp emerges Winner of the KIEK foundation Peace Cup 2019

In an effort to celebrate and honour the vulnerable of the society, KIEK foundation in partnership with UNESCO marked International Day Of Sport For Development And Peace over the weekend with a Peace Competition.

The event which witnessed the crème dela crème of the society also had in attendance different orphanages and IDPs represented.

There were also popular Abuja based celebrities, philanthropists and lovers of sport and entertainment in attendance to celebrate with the downtrodden of the society.

In an interview with Mrs Ebele Iyiegbu, Founder and CEO, KIEK Foundation who couldn't hide her joy for celebrating with the less privileged, she said just like the late Madiba, Nelson Mandela would say "Sport has the power to change the world."
She explained that in time of divisions and distrust, sport helps to bring people and communities together pointing out that the 1995 Rugby World Cup is symbolic, just as South Africa was emerging from apartheid, rallied together in the name of sports and forgetting their differences.

"Sports can help promote tolerance and respect, contribute to youths empowerment, advance health,human and social development. The United Nation recognises the power of sport to bring people together for a common goal," she added.

Mrs Iyiegbu also revealed that the aim of involving the vulnerable ones to the occasion is to promote peace, better living among the less privileged children and also grant them the opportunity to showcase their talents which sometimes is not seen or shown to the outside world.

"We had children from 2 orphanage homes and 2 IDP camps who participated at the celebration. They were very happy to be given the opportunity and pleaded to be given another chance to come show their skills and talents. The girls were not left out as we also had a skipping competition for them. There was also a dancing competition which brought out smiles and relaxation on the countenances of the children," Mrs Ebele proclaimed.

Also speaking to LEADERSHIP was the UNESCO representative, one of the key agencies that has all its focus on peace, Mr Adedayo Samuel who explained that the invitation from KIEK Foundation was a very crucial one and timely.

"Today is the international day of sport for development and peace . The purpose is we use sport for development and for the purpose of peace.

"In the situation of rancour and acrimony, it is not likely you have development. It is only when we have peace we can think of a better tomorrow. And this is one of the great ideals of UNESCO in all its ramifications. In the regional office we have 5 key sectors. Communication and information, Social and human sciences, culture and also education.

"Today as we celebrate peace, born out of sports for purposes of development, we are here , even though we got a late information, we know KIEK Foundation is very important, because being here is better than attending a meaningless party somewhere else because this is a concern for humanity and the less privileged, which is what UNESCO is all about. We try to bridge the gab between the rich and the poor, between those who are comfortable and those who aren't, " he added.

In the same vein, guests in attendance couldn't hide their joy as they appreciate KIEK Foundation for always putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards and certificates to Kuchingoro IDP camp who emerged winners of the KIEK foundation peace cup 2019.

Others were the Best coach award, Highest goal scorer award, and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award which went to Super Eagles player and CD Leganés defender on loan from Chelsea football club, Kenneth Omeruo. There was dance, jokes and lots of other side attractions.