Soccer Tournaments Promote Peaceful Coexistence

The region has a history of armed conflict, leading to a lack of recreational facilities and a prevalence of negative behaviors among children and adolescents. CIMIENTOS, a program focused on improving governance and social capital, is leveraging the popularity of soccer to promote positive use of spare time among citizens. The tournaments are designed to be inclusive, with participation from people of all ages, including women. This approach aims to improve community participation and strengthen social bonds between citizens and authorities. The rules of the games differ from traditional soccer matches, with a focus on creating social pacts and promoting respect among players. Each team contributes to establishing rules before the match begins, and the team that adheres to the rules the best wins. The tournaments began in August and September in several municipalities, including El Tarra, Tibu, Convencion, Cienaga, Dibulla, El Carmen de Atrato, and Acandí. The official initiation of the tournaments involved the handover of team soccer jerseys. This activity aligns with CIMIENTOS' strategy to improve governance by strengthening social capital, promoting closer bonds between communities and authorities, and creating models that promote the participation of women. The soccer tournaments are designed to promote social awareness and social pacts by teaching citizens to develop and follow rules. This approach aims to improve social capital and promote peaceful coexistence among citizens. By leveraging the popularity of soccer, CIMIENTOS is able to reach a wide audience and promote positive behaviors among children, adolescents, and adults. The implementation of the soccer tournaments is a key component of CIMIENTOS' strategy to improve governance and social capital in the Chocó region. By promoting social pacts and respect among players, the tournaments aim to create a more harmonious and peaceful community. The program's focus on inclusivity and community participation is designed to strengthen social bonds and promote positive behaviors among citizens.