Cooperation, footballers and NGOs on the field in Jordan for an initiative in support of Syrian refugees and the host community.
These are the first joint activities following the Memorandum of Understanding between MAECI / DGCS, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and the Italian Footballers Association, which has been signed at the Farnesina on 19 February. The Memorandum promotes values principles and of sport, especially football, in the initiatives financed by the Italian Cooperation.
Simone Perrotta and Damiano Tommasi participated in the Aqaba stadium at the launch of the Youth-Led Football program which involves the Italian Embassy in Jordan, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, the Italian Footballers Association and AVSI.
The aim of the project is to promote social inclusion, mental and physical well-being of minors and adults living in this challenging reality. “‘Sport is a truly effective tool for social and educational promotion,” said Fabio Cassese, Ambassador of Italy to Jordan, on the sidelines of the event.
“The presence of two champions such as Damiano Tommasi and Simone Perrotta at the initiative – added the Ambassador – testifies to a positive model of ethics and civil commitment in sport, capable of promoting a culture of inclusion, development and peace”. For his part, Damiano Tommasi, president of AIC stressed: “This project is very important because it allows us to use sport as a moment of growth for everyone, adults and children, and above all as a tool that breaks down barriers.”
Giampaolo Silvestri, AVSI Secretary General, added: “in this region it is possible to help both Syrians and the Jordanian population to get out of the grip of poverty. The activities we are launching today are an example of this”.
Indeed, AVSI is carrying out the “Safe” project in the country, with the support of the Italian Cooperation, to protect particularly vulnerable populations. The projects intertwined those of AIC which organize sports activities in difficult contexts. The proposed sports path, also thanks to the training of local technicians, represents not only a moment of play, but also of growth and learning that will allow the children involved to acquire useful skills for their future.
