There’s a lot going on in the city Saturday and Sunday. Festivals in Black Rock, farmers markets, waterfront events, bike rides, screenings, you name it and it’s taking place. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t fit one more event into your itinerary.
Buffalo is celebrating World Refugee Day, by hosting an action packed soccer tournament at LaSalle Park – sponsored by the Buffalo Immigrant and Refugee Empowerment Coalition (BIREC) in collaboration with YWCA of WNY (YWCA) and Delaware Soccer Club. This is your chance to bring your family to the waterfront to see a soccer showcase that continues to grow from year to year. See teams from Vietnam, Congo, Laos, Somalia, Liberia, Sudan, Ruanda, Ethiopia, Bhutan and America, as they show off their skills and their pride on the fields.
Along with the Saturday tournament there is also an Ethnic Festival and Award Ceremony that will take place at 1005 Grant Street on Sunday from 3pm-7pm. That is where visitors will find free ethnic live music and potluck dinners from countries around the world. All of the activities and the cuisine are being donated by the refugee communities that now call Buffalo home.
“World Refugee Day is an opportunity to immigrants and refugees to embrace the challenge of unity after we experienced displacement and wars, and to celebrate our success of accomplishing a new life. We come together to play soccer (The Universal Language) and share our great food, cultures, and experiences, to show the courage and diversity of our refugee community, and to remind us of the world’s millions of refugees who are still suffering” said Ali Kadhum, President of BIREC.
“This event was a great success last year, and we are so excited to be co-hosting again. It is a fulfilling experience to bring so many different cultures and people together. We anticipate, most, the great camaraderie and spirit that the teams and fans bring to the event!” said Deborah Lynn Williams, CEO of YWCA.
“I love bringing my children to this event. My children had so much fun last year! Furthermore, it exposed them to the diversity that is here in Buffalo in a positive atmosphere,” said Gwen Howard, YWCA Board President
Saturday, June 21, 2014 | 5th Annual Ten Nation Soccer Tournament | International Soccer Tournament held at Lasalle Park | Kick off at 9am – tournament played throughout the day! | Finals to be held at 5:30pm and end (roughly) at 7pm
Sunday, June 22, 2014 | Ethnic Festival | 1005 Grant Street on Sunday from 3pm-7pm
These events are free and open to the public.
Photo: YWCA