Saturday June 18 is World Refugee Day. As a celebration of this, the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) in conjunction with SARI (Sport Against Racism Ireland) have organised the second edition of the FAIR PLAY Football Cup. It takes place on June 18 at the Law Society, Blackhall Place from 10.30am until 2.30pm. Last year’s tournament was won by the Mighty Men of Hot Press Munchengladbach. This year they will defend their title defending their title against the likes of SARI/INSAKA, Newstalk’s Off The Ball and many more. If that isn’t enough for you (and the thought of Ken Early getting kicked by Hot Press’ legendarily rugged centre-half Duan Stokes should be!) there’ll be face-painting, music and a demonstration of football skills provided by the FAI.
Established in 1950, in the wake of World War II, to help Europeans displaced by that conflict, the UN Refugee Agency inspired the adoption in 1951 of the UN Convention Relating to Refugees. Also responding to the recently-ended turmoil of war, having been cancelled in 1942 and 1946, the football World Cup was resurrected in 1950.
Perry Ogden, chairman of SARI, said, “The 1950 football World Cup was not the first or last time that sport would play a role in achieving a positive spirit of human triumph over adversity. Indeed over the next sixty years, the sporting world, in particular football, has played a significant role in the promotion of human rights and integration.
Sophie Magennis, Head of Office UNHCR Ireland, said, “Despite refugees’ often dire circumstances in very challenging environments, UNHCR has seen how sport can play a key role in helping to build tolerance, understanding and respect among different communities, setting aside cultural differences and giving young people a sense of self worth.” And so say all of us.

The FAIR PLAY Football Cup takes place on June 18 at the Law Society, Blackhall Place.
[pictured right - Niall Stokes being presented with the FAIR PLAY Football Cup 2010 by then Minister for Integration Mary White]