A PREMIER League footballer is calling on youngsters in Worcestershire to help mark the 20th anniversary of one of the worst war crimes in Europe since the Second World War.
Teachers at the county’s secondary schools now have the opportunity sign up their students to take part in Remembering Srebrenica’s ‘8-3-7-2 Tournament’.
The event, which will be held on Friday, June 5, aims to unite 8,372 young people in 380 schools across the country to play football on the same day.
The figure represents the number of individuals who lost their lives during the atrocity in eastern Bosnia-Herzegovina in July 1995.
Stoke City goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic, who was himself forced to leave Bosnia as a child during the 1992-1995 conflict, has pledged his supported and urged people to get behind the tournament.
“The Srebrenica genocide was the worst war crime in Europe since the Second World War,” he said. “It happened 20 years ago this July in my home country of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
“I’m proud to support Remembering Srebrenica’s 8-3-7-2 Tournament which brings young people together through football to remember the victims and survivors.
“It’s a really powerful way to help the next generation to learn about the importance of tackling hatred and intolerance. This will help us to build a stronger society around the world.”
Two winning teams will get the chance to meet the Bosnia-Herzegovina star while a further 15 of the successful side will be invited to take part in the charity’s national Srebrenica memorial event at Westminster Abbey, London on Monday July 9.
Dr Waqar Azmi, chairman of Remembering Srebrenica, added: “We’re calling on teachers at secondary schools in Worcestershire to sign up their 22 players, our next generation, to stand united with us in remembering Srebrenica through football, learning the lessons from the past to create a better and safer future.”
For more information on how schools can apply visit www.srebrenica.org.uk or e-mail [email protected].
The closing date for applications is Friday, May 15.
