Issue No.22 - International Edition Polo De’Marco Magazine - International Edition | Page 20

Keith Kirkwood Story
“Global Initiative”
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Written by: Mike Angangan
IFT Global Initiative formed by Diplomats Keith Kirkwood and Manna Dabholkar hosted their diplomacy initiative “Soccer for Solar
Tournament” for underserved children from Johannesburg, South Africa in partnership with the United Arab Emirates Embassy in
Pretoria. The event also included soccer star Tiyani Mabunda who kicked off the opening ceremonies with a passionate speech on
teamwork and sportsmanship. The event also brought physical screenings for all children provided by Gift a Global Initiative’s Clinical
Team headed by Director Tabatha Bernier between games. At the end of the tournament, all participants received Solar Power Lanterns
instead of trophies thereby bringing solar lights to the families in the settlement. This event provided over 100 families the power of solar power in their
homes, along with soccer uniforms, cleats and balls etc. Prior to this event the children were kicking coconuts many without any shoes, they had no
soccer balls, no cleats and no goal nets.
Gift Global Initiative will be expanding existing “Sports for Solar” partnership with the UAE to all parts of the world.
The population Gift Global Initiative serves face complex barriers to accessing ladders of opportunity. Those same barriers are what keep them off of
teams, out of leagues, and unable to access programs that could support them to reach their full potential. Addressing one barrier alone is a bandaid.
Barriers stack up on one another and feel insurmountable. ”There isn’t a better way to inspire children and create positive role models than to engage
them in a sport” said Dabholkar. Gift Global Initiative would like to thank UAE Ambassador HE Mr. Mahash Saeed Salem Mahash and Fatima Yousef
Alsuwaidi for being such committed partners to this powerful event.
Kieth Kirkwood & Fatima Yousef Al Suwaidi