Most of us take the national anthem for granted; the anthem represents the nationhood and the spirit of belonging and freedom of a nation. Some just learned how to sing the national anthem as a pre requisite in our primary level education. The anthem is a patriotic musical composition that stirs and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation’s government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people. In the newly inaugurated Republic of South Sudan, the national anthem sang for the first time on the day of independence aroused emotional feelings as the nation wept in happiness at their long fight for freedom from the North. To celebrate the achievement and offer a new hope to the youth in the region. Indeed and Truth ministries in partnership with Kenya’s sports development firm Michezoafrika planned and hosted a major soccer tournament that engaged over 20 youth teams and 500 youths in Tonj region with a vision of setting up a long lasting youth league structure. During the finals and as the national anthem blared through the public address with the two finalist Wild dogs FC and SPLM FC waited for the kick off of the week long soccer tournament, one could not help but notice the huge significance of the national anthem to the lives of the 12-14 year olds. With their hands firmly placed across their chests, the boys sang out with conviction some with tears rolling down their cheeks in happiness and jubilation. Indeed, a new country had been born and the best they could express their feelings was through soccer. What a sweet feeling it was for these young lads. The nation before its independence had spent forty of the last fifty-five years entrenched in civil war with the northern government. The war was responsible for the deaths of two million people in the last two decades. “There is no better way to engage the youth in celebrating their freedom than through sports and soccer. We want to usher in the new era through sports for the people of Tonj and Southern Sudan where peace and love will prevail.” Said Sabet, the organizer of the indeed and truth Ministries independence soccer tournament held in Tonj, Former Nairobi City Stars coach Frankline and qualified CAF instructor was also part of the team that conducted the coaches training alongside Walter Machio of Michezoafrika. Shelimba after witnessing the spectacular final and especially the captivating national anthem feeling, He said “I have played football at the highest level in Kenya (Mathare United) but never have I seen a national anthem bring out so much passion and emotions as I have seen here with these young boys. Am convinced that these young men are eager to adorn their national jerseys not for themselves but for the pride of their new nation.” He said. Michezoafrika facilitated the training of over 30 youth soccer coaches and leaders in Tonj South Sudan. Besides soccer, over 40 sports leaders were trained in life skills with a vision of transforming the region through soccer. It is indeed a true new era for the people of South Sudan.
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