Shahiduzzaman Shimul, Satkhira:
An exceptional football tournament has been held in Satkhira to address the risks of climate change.
This special game called "Goal for Climate" was held on Monday (February 19) at the PN School ground adjacent to PTI in Satkhira, under the initiative of the Youth Adaptation Forum, a voluntary organization to address climate risks in the southwestern part of the country, and jointly organized by the international development organization Save the Children and local organization Uttaran.
The tournament was inaugurated by former FIFA elite referee and state award winner Tayyab Hasan Shamsuzzaman Babu.
Satkhira District Sports Officer Md. Mahbubur Rahman, prominent sportsperson Khandaker Arif Hasan Prince, father of Bangladesh women's football team captain Afeeda Khandaker Pranti, Uttaran Officer Advocate Munir Uddin, Uttaran PC Mohammad Ali, and Save the Children's Project Coordinator Abu Bakar Siddiqui were present as guests of honor.
At the beginning of the program, General Secretary of Youth Adaptation Forum Ibrahim Khalil gave a welcome speech and the organization's president Karna Biswas KD presided over the event. The entire event was moderated by Vice President Md. Hossain Ali.
To raise awareness about the impacts of climate change, four groups were formed, named after the powerful cyclones that hit the Satkhira region—Typhoon, Sidr, Aila, and Amphan. Each group carries a symbolic message to combat climate change.
In the final of the tournament, Vice President Md. Hossain Ali's Amphan team defeated the Typhoon team led by Youth Adaptation Forum President Karna Biswas KD to become the champion.
Although football tournaments usually award trophies or medals, this event had a unique eco-friendly initiative. Instead of medals, tree saplings were distributed to the players of the winning and runner-up teams for tree planting.
In his opening speech, Tayyab Hasan Shamsuzzaman Babu said, "Football is not just a game, it is a powerful medium for social change. Spreading awareness about climate change among the youth through this tournament is a truly commendable initiative."
Satkhira District Sports Officer Md. Mahbubur Rahman said, "If we can make people aware of serious issues like climate change through sports, then it will not only be entertainment, but will also fulfill a social responsibility."
Advocate Munir Uddin, the transition officer, said, "People in the southwestern region are victims of the horrors of climate change. Such initiatives by young people are truly inspiring."
Abu Bakr Siddiqui, project coordinator at Save the Children, said, "We need to be aware now to protect our future generations from the climate crisis. Only such initiatives by young people can move society forward on the path of sustainable development."
People from all walks of life gathered at the field to watch the tournament. A local spectator said, "The idea of creating awareness about climate change through sports is truly exceptional. More such events should be held."
Another parent said, "My child also came to play. He not only played football, but also learned the importance of protecting the environment."
Organizers believe that such initiatives will play an important role in the fight against climate change, both symbolically and practically.###
Shahiduzzaman Shimul, Satkhira
