DÉDOUGOU—The first edition of the Maracana of Resilience tournament concluded on Saturday with a victory for the team of young united volunteers, who triumphed over the Black Stars team in a closely contested penalty shootout. The event, centered around the theme “Sport for all, factor of resilience and social cohesion,” capped off a month-long series of activities aimed at engaging youth and promoting unity in the Mouhoun region.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the tournament was organized by the association Mouhoun en marche in collaboration with the brand “On ne bande point.” The initiative sought to leverage sports as a medium for entertainment and social cohesion, attracting various teams including students, local security forces, and civilian defense groups across Mouhoun province.
David Dao, the promoter of the event, highlighted that the region is currently grappling with significant security and humanitarian challenges. He emphasized that the Maracana Resilience Tournament was designed not only as a sports event but also as a platform to foster peace, unity, and a collective response to ongoing terrorist threats in the area.
In addition to football, the month-long program included a cycling race for women, board games, and educational talks addressing the national crisis and encouraging youth commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Burkina. Dao urged the youth to unite and actively contribute to the country’s harmonious development.
Souleymane Nacanabo, the High Commissioner of the Mouhoun province, praised the success of the tournament, noting the high level of enthusiasm and competition quality. He stressed the importance of national unity and resilience, especially in times of crisis, and acknowledged the critical role of the security and civilian defense forces in facilitating such community events.
The final match concluded with the team of young united volunteers winning the trophy, jerseys, and a cash prize of 100,000 CFA francs. The runners-up received jerseys, a football, and 75,000 CFA francs. The top participant in the women’s cycling race was awarded a bicycle, a financial prize, and various gadgets.
The successful conclusion of this inaugural event has set a positive precedent for future editions, fostering a spirit of community and resilience among the participants and spectators alike.