The migrant workers’ football tournament for the commemoration of her majesty the Queen’s 78 anniversary birthday ended on 21^st of august.

Foundation for Education and Development (FED) organized the tournament in the Tsunami-affected area at Ban Nankhim village football ground. There were 12 teams who participated in the tournament which, were made up of migrant workers from around Phang Nga province as well as some Thai locals.

The opening match and ceremony began on the 12^th of this month– the birthday of her majesty the Queen. The final round of matches and closing ceremony that praised the winner, was celebrated on 21^st of this month. And, before the final match, there was a match between local Thai and Burmese elders that encouraged friendship.

Mr. Htoo Chit, the executive director of FED gave his opening remark: “The objectives of this tournament is to express our appreciation towards his majesty the King and her majesty the Queen for their struggle to reduce drug abuse and to build friendship amongst migrant communities. The game of Football is about using strength and energy so accidents might occur. Please be patient and I would like to encourage you all not to get angry or fight each other”.

In the final match, the Takuapa team beat the Bansak team, 4-0 to win the cup. The Takuapa team was also the winner in the last commemoration tournament to honor his majesty the King.

Ko Soe, who came to the football match said, “Many came to see today’s match. I had never seen such an organized Burmese football match when I lived in my village. The audiences also cheer the match enthusiastically and make it very enjoyable. Two teams teased each other but they were not angry. Also, there were traditional Burmese musical instruments played all around” There were about 2000 that people came to the match.

A woman selling goods remarked, “I came to cheer for my husband’s team and they won second prize. I was very happy. Their team was formed just this year and they say that they will also play together in the upcoming year. We really enjoy that they allow us to yell and cheer freely with migrant workers like us”.

Foundation for Education and Development (FED) has organized many sports games. Most have been on days of importance such as on His majesty the King and Her majesty the Queen’s birthdays and Loikahtone day. Cane-ball matches and other school sports activities have also been organized.