Teams from Destined, New Horizons Partnership, Moving on Up Limavady, The Playtrail, Aspace 2, Donegal Down Syndrome, The Tuned-In Project and Foyle Down Syndrome Trust came together in the spirit of play to build new social connections, play football and have fun. Each organisation wore their own branded kits and have been training over recent months to get match fit.
As Connor McGilloway, Health and Wellbeing Officer at Foyle Down Syndrome Trust explained: “This event is about celebrating adults with a learning disability by providing an opportunity to come together to play sport and meet new people.
FDST member Conor Collins said he couldn’t wait until next year’s Peace Games adding: “I loved getting to play today, it was great fun to meet new people and have a laugh together. I can’t wait for the next Peace Games.”
The event took place at the ‘Peace Pitch’ in The Waterside Shared Village, one of 60 Peace Pitches across five continents, and builds on the legacy started by The Football Makes our Shared History initiative.
In 2022 Foyle Down Syndrome Trust created the first ever peace pitch in Derry-Londonderry and is twinned with Flanders Peace Field, site of the 1914 First World War Christmas Truces. The Peace Games is an annual football event funded by Foyle Down Syndrome Trust
1. Ladies from the Foyle Down Syndrome Trust team show off their medals.
Ladies from the Foyle Down Syndrome Trust team show off their medals. Photo: Jim McCafferty
2. Action from one of last week's games between Tuned-In and FDST.
Action from one of last week's games between Tuned-In and FDST. Photo: Jim McCafferty
3. Tuned-in goalkeeper pulls of a fantastic save and takes the plaudits from the crowd.
Tuned-in goalkeeper pulls of a fantastic save and takes the plaudits from the crowd. Photo: Jim McCafferty
4. The MOU United team 2 (Moving On Up) pictured on Friday.
The MOU United team 2 (Moving On Up) pictured on Friday at the Shared Village. Photo: Jim McCafferty