William Dawson Peace Cup, Promoting Peace and Unity

In the fight against crime, sometimes the best weapon is a football. That’s the idea behind the Williams Dawson Peace Cup, launched four years ago by the Leadership Intervention Unit. It’s more than just a tournament. It’s a movement. Young men from across Belize City and nearby villages come together on the pitch, not just to compete, but to build peace and unity through sport. Now heading into its fourth season, the Peace Cup has already made a big impact and this year’s edition is shaping up to be just as powerful. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The William Dawson Peace Cup is back for its fourth season. Carrying on the legacy of peace and unity left by the late William Dawson, this football tournament is doing more than just scoring goals. It’s bringing together young men from neighborhoods deeply affected by gang violence, giving them a chance to connect, compete, and build something positive through the power of sport. The Belize Police Department and the Leadership Intervention Unit leads this initiative.

 

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“This particular program just offers that outlet, that opportunity, instead of the life of crime and violence. Borther Williams Dawson had a clear vision on where he wanted to take this program. And some might see he even died in the line of duty fighting for what he truly loved to do.”

 

And, Minister Kareem Musa will likely stick to his day job after stretching did not help him when he took the first shot of the season. This year’s tournament is off to a strong start with twelve teams hitting the field. And they’re not just showing up—they’re showing out, thanks to full support from the organizers who provided each team with gear, including balls and fresh jerseys. Kicking things off in the season opener were Ebony Lake Football Club and Leaders of Tomorrow Football Club, setting the tone for what’s shaping up to be an exciting competition. The first goal of the match came some thirty-three minutes into it.

 

A throw in for Ebony Lake FC. A little bounce there and the ball finds its way to number nine. He gets through to defenders and passes off to his open teammate…… in front of the goal. This one finished two goals to zero in favor of Ebony Lake. Sand Hill Warriors also faced off against  Graveyard FC, while Survivors FC took on Jane Usher FC. Gang fueled violent crimes saw a sharp increase in Belize City and nearby rural communities recently. This led to the declaration of a state of emergency. These men are from some of those very communities. This tournament serves as a less heavy-handed approach to combating the same issues.  Douglas Hyde reflected on the impact gang intervention through sports has had on the communities the players are from.

 

Douglas Hyde, Tournament Organizer

“Our intervention through sports such as the basketball and football tournaments fostering healthy minds, teamwork, comadre, unity and life skills are some of the many ways in which we have seen a lot of positivity in our rural and urban communities.”

 

Kareem Musa

“The players, you all here are the messengers of Borther William Dawson. You are to carry the message of hope and peace and unity. So, when you go out on that field to play your hearts out, you pick him up and hug him. Don’t fight, we don’t need to fight.”

 

We also heard from the brother of the late William Dawson and Acting Chairman of the LIU, Andrew Dawson.

 

Andrew Dawson, Acting Chair, LIU

“As we come together of this special, we are reminded of the core values that this tournament embodies, the pursuit of peace, respect and collaboration. Whether we are here as players, coaches, sponsors or spectators, we are united by a common goal, to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and to honor the legacy of my beloved brother, William Dawson whose efforts to promote peace continue to inspire us all.”

 

The tournament kicked off at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex, but games will be played at different venues throughout the course of the next season. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.