Ethnic soccer tournament a success
Photo: Debbie Wilson
Canterbury-Fiji captain Byron Goodwin (pictured above) scored the winning goal in this summer's third annual Christchurch Ethnic Soccer Tournament final against the city's Polish team. The festival was a success, with spectators, players and all agencies involved saying the event was well run and worthwhile. After more than 80 matches between teams representing 20 communities, it ended with a well attended final, with Canterbury-Fiji winning 1-0. There are many groups and individuals now supporting the event. Among those involved this year were the Office of Ethnic Affairs, NZ Police, the City Council, Plains FM 96.9, the New Brighton Soccer Club, Mainland Soccer and Avonhead Travel. Many other organisations and private business also helped. Police Constable Rakesh Naidoo says the tournament is great. "For us, it's helping to break down barriers. It's a fantastic environment for us to interact positively," he says. As a result of work around the tournament, the Police are investigating setting up a youth programme along with other agencies and he says they talked to about 30 people interested in joining the force. |
