RYAN (Refugee Youth Action Network), from Auckland, have become the fifth champions of the New Zealand Communities Football Cup after winning against Bula Fiji from Hamilton.
“It was great to have had a final between a talented refugee team from Auckland and a mixed cultural team from Hamilton.” said Inspector Rakesh Naidoo, National Strategic Ethnic Advisor.
The tournament, held over the last two days, has seen 12 teams representing 14 ethnic communities from all over New Zealand compete for the national title.
“It-s a fantastic tournament which has built up loyalty between all cultures involved,” said Mr Naidoo.
The closing ceremony was also attended by Wellington City Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, Polish Ambassador Beata Stoczynska, and former Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres.
NZ Police strongly support the White Ribbon campaign so it was “really positive to have had all 240 players and coaches join Judge Peter Boshier at the opening ceremony to take the White Ribbon pledge.”
The NZCFC are grateful for the sponsorship and hosts, Wellington City Council, and the ongoing support of the, New Zealand Federation of Multi Cultural Councils, SportZone, Wellington Phoenix, NZ Diversity Action Programme, New Zealand Football and Families Commission to keep the New Zealand Communities Football Cup running each year.
NZ Police introduced the tournament in 2008 as a way to connect diverse communities, celebrate success and encourage social change.
Final Results
Cup winner: RYAN (Auckland)
Cup runner-ups: Bula Fiji (Hamilton)
Plate winner: Poland (Christchurch)
Plate runner-up: Oromo (Wellington)
Bowl winner: Cape Verde (Upper Hutt)
Bowl runner-ups: Sunny Zimbabwe (Palmerston North)
Team Fairplay Award: Sunny Zimbabwe
Player of the Tournament: Tom Sansom, Poland
