This year, we proudly celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Hirda Tournament, which was founded in 2005. The main objective of the tournament has always been to connect, empower, and build a strong network of Somali youth, with a special focus on football and sport.
Over the years, the Hirda Tournament has become an important meeting place where Somali youth, politicians, former football players, and local maatschappelijke organisaties come together. It also plays a key role in helping new Somali arrivals in the Netherlands find opportunities for integration through sport and community engagement.
Throughout the years, we have been honored to host high-level Somali officials, including former Prime Ministers Abdiweli Gaas and Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, Ministers of Sport, and mayors such as Eng. Yariisow, as well as Minister Khadija Diriye. We have also welcomed legendary former Somali footballers, including Captain Shaash, Mohamed Ismail, and many others.
This year, we were especially honored to welcome the Deputy Ambassador of the Benelux, His Excellency Jaffar Jamar, and the Captain of the Somali National Football Team, Abdulsamad Abdullahi.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our talented performers, singer Abdi Badil Ibrahim and Singer/DJ Weeroow, for their wonderful contribution to the celebration.
Finally, we thank all our guests, participants, volunteers, and supporters, with a special word of appreciation to our sponsors especially Talk Remit for their continued support in making this tournament a success.
