The grand inauguration of the 14th ISF World Schools’ Championships (football) took center stage at the magnificent Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, where hundreds of enthusiastic spectators gathered to witness the thrilling commencement of the prestigious event.
A mesmerizing performance by talented school children, accompanied by a spectacular display of dances, captivated the audience, including notable dignititaries like Laurent Petrynka, the president of the ISF, and Chakib Benmoussa, the esteemed Minister of National Education, Pre School, and Sports in the Kingdom of Morocco.
During the ceremony, Petrynka emphasized the core values of ISF – Education and Sports.
“As an organization, ISF places great emphasis on promoting both education and sports, fostering a unique friendship built on fairplay and tolerance. Football, being the most beloved sport globally, unites nations in the spirit of competition and camaraderie. I extend my best wishes to all participating countries in this exciting tournament,” stated Petrynka.
ISF President addressing the crowd
Following the captivating opening ceremony, the athletes and referees took their oaths, symbolizing their commitment to sportsmanship and fair play, witnessed by a thrilled crowd.
In the tournament’s official opening match, Uganda’s St Noah Girls put up a commendable performance, almost securing a victory against the hosts, Morocco, before conceding a late-late strike during the floodlit encounter.
Disheartened but determined, St Noa’s head coach, Jimmy Mukubya, shared his thoughts after the match, saying, “We gave it our all, but luck was not on our side as we conceded late in the game. Our focus now shifts to the next match, and we are ready to face the challenges ahead.”
Earlier in the day, Kibuli S.S faced Qatar at the Mohammed VI Sports Complex (field six), putting up a valiant effort but ultimately falling short with a 0-1 scoreline.
Action between Kibuli SS and Qatar
The excitement continues on Monday, July 24, 2023, as Uganda and the rest of the participating nations gear up for the next round of thrilling matches.
In the morning fixture, Uganda’s Amus College will go head-to-head against Nepal, with another exhilarating clash against Chile scheduled later in the day.
Meanwhile, Kibuli will be back in action at 4 PM, facing off against China 1 in what promises to be an intense showdown.
The ISF World Schools’ Championships are a collaborative effort, organized by the International Schools Federation (ISF) in conjunction with the Kingdom of Morocco’s Ministry of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, along with the support of the Federation of Royal Morocco Football (FRMF) and the Federation of Royal Morocco Schools Sports (FRMSS). This collaborative approach reflects the global significance of the event, fostering international cooperation through sports and education.
