Posted on 10/10/2009 9:54:27 AM PDT by SandRat
Iraqi soccer teams participate in a match at the Sports Complex in the eastern-Baghdad town of Jasr Diyala, Oct. 9. Eight Iraqi community's teams participated in the day-long tournament held across the vast Ma'dain region. Photo by Pvt. Jared N. Gehmann, 82nd Airborne Division.
BAGHDAD — It wasn't the World Cup, but for eight Iraqi soccer teams pride was at stake during a day-long tournament held throughout the Ma'dain region here, Oct. 9.
The small remote towns of Jasr Diyala, Narwan, and Village 10, located on the outskirts of eastern Baghdad, hosted the tournament matches.
As normalcy returns to the country, U.S. and Iraqi officials want to show the Iraqi people that the improved security is here to stay
"It is wonderful to see everyone here working together under the logo of cooperation and brotherhood," said Dr. Khalid Alrrakabi, sports director for the Ma'dain region and the manager of the Jasr Diyala Sports Complex. "There are few events such as this where all the different communities of our region can come together and bond."
As the teams played, residents from the surrounding community gathered near the field to observe and cheer on their favorite team. However, with all the fun and excitement, paratroopers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 82nd Airborne Division and their Iraqi Security Force (ISF) partners maintained security to keep everyone attending the games safe.
"We would not have been able to hold these without the help of the U.S. Army and the Iraqi Police protecting the surrounding area,” said Alrrakabi. “A large gathering such as this could be a good target for violence.”
Prior to the games, paratroopers handed out soccer jerseys, balls and other equipment to many of the players. Many of the balls were donated by the "Kick for Nick" organization, founded in honor of Pfc. Nick Madaras, who was killed by an improvised explosive device in Baquba, Sept. 3, 2006.
Leaders from the 3rd BCT, along with key Iraqi officials, planned the event for weeks. For many, seeing the event take place was proof that their hard work paid off.
"I know that these guys put a lot of work into getting this thing organized,” said Sgt. Clay Hartsook, of Oakridge, N.C. “Now it's our job to protect our superior officers and the people while they enjoy watching the games."
There were winners and losers, but the unity between the players and the people of the region was truly the ultimate 'goal' of the day.
Soccer sucks. Commie game. Large number of people running around, accomplishing little, but convinced otherwise.
You mean like the ‘O’ administration and the Dems. LOL
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