A football festival was held at Larkhall Park, Stockwell last week to address racism in the Portuguese-speaking community and celebrate the great music, food and footballing cultures the Portuguese-speaking nations share.
Twenty Portuguese-speaking young people from Lambeth organised the event as part of a leadership programme run by local charity BIGKID Foundation and funded by Lambeth Community Fund’s Portuguese-Speakers’ Community Fund.
Nine teams of Portuguese-speaking young people competed from different nations including Portugal, Brazil and Angola. Music representing the various nations played while the teams battled for the trophy.
Local families took part in face-painting, biscuit decorating and colouring-in activities.
Carl Kowsky, Chair of the Friends of Larkhall Park said: “I was delighted to see the football festival in Larkhall Park. Another fun and successful event organised by BIGKID Foundation involving the youth of the surrounding area.”
BIGKID, a small London-based charity, established in 2008 exists to equip young people at risk of social exclusion and youth violence to take control of their lives and act on their own potential.
Dedicated Ward Officer for Larkhall, PC Charlotte Egan said: “Larkhall Safer Neighbourhood Team were thrilled with this event. We are huge fans of all of the incredible work BIGKID does in Larkhall with young people in an area that is not only challenging to police, but can also be a challenging area to grow up in.
“We attended this event to show our wholehearted support for inclusivity and for BIGKID’s attempt to change the status quo.”
The home team emerged victorious with FC Porto close runners-up. The presentation was made by the Portuguese-speaking Councillor for Stockwell Ward, Guilherme Rosa, who emphasised the importance of tackling racism within the community of Portuguese-speakers.
To find out more about BIGKID Foundation, visit www.bigkidfoundation.org or follow BIGKID Foundation on Facebook or Twitter @BIGKIDCharity.
For further information contact Helen Marasha: helen@bigkidfoundation.org
