There’s no doubt about it: football brings people together.
So what better way to strengthen the bond between the 13 islands of the Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve than with the launch of a new football tournament?
Initiated and sponsored by Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru, the Baa Football Challenge 2019 is the country’s biggest resort-organised football event, with tourism minister Ali Waheed presiding over the opening ceremony on Monday.
The tournament takes place in Eydhafushi, Baa atoll’s capital, between July 1 and 20, with one game to be played each day. It is open to all ages with each team required to have a minimum of three players under 21 years old.
Aside from receiving the Baa Football Challenge Trophy – and bragging rights for a year! – the winning team will have the opportunity to choose the location to defend their title in 2020.
“As inhabitants and residents of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve we share an incredible setting and story, each bringing our unique island culture to the mix. For this – and so many other reasons – the Football Challenge is about exploring and expanding our sense of community, something that we all benefit from,” Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru’s General Manager and Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin was quoted in a statement, as saying.
To date, 11 of the atoll’s 13 islands have confirmed participation and optimism is high that the remaining two won’t want to miss out!