Photo: StatoilAfter the tragic events taking place in Norway on July 22nd, there was a discussion whether Norway Cup 2011 should be arranged or not. Finally, the organization together with the Norwegian government and the police, decided that the tournament should go on. - It is important for the young people to experience some joy in these sad times, says the Head of media Lucy Thoresen.
Not just football
Norway Cup is not just about football, or winning and losing. Many other activities, cultural and educational, make the tournament a special experience for the players.
Stella Mwangi performing at Norway Cup's opening ceremony. Photo: Lina Mellem EnoksenOn July 30st, this year’s Norway Cup started with an opening ceremony including a rose parade and a memorial concert for the victims of the attacks. Famous artists like the Swedish rapper Timbuktu and the Eurovision Contest singer, Stella Mwangi, performed in front of 25 000 people at the Ekeberg field. The concert was broadcasted on national television.
During the week, several famous Norwegian artists will perform around on the different football fields of Ekeberg. There is also a stage where individuals and teams from all nations are invited to show their talents through cultural performances. Mongolian wrestling, Brazilian capoeira and music were experienced from the culture stage on Sunday
. There will be activities like these every day during the tournament.
The Colorful Unity
Norway Cup is a melting pot with youths from the four corners of the world, meeting fellow footballers and making friends across borderlines. The Colorful Unity is one of the causes closest to the heart of Norway Cup. It all started in 1979 with the Brazilian team Pequeninos do Jockey from Sao Paulo. Today Pequeninos do Jockey is the most winning club in the history of Norway Cup.
The Colorful Unity is one of the causes closest to the heart of Norway Cup.
. Photo: Magne Mellem EnoksenThe targets for the tournament are to promote positive attitudes and increase awareness of environmental issues, drugs, violence and racism. For these youth, football offers a neutral platform. Traveling to Norway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.
One of the proudest moments in the history of Norway Cup was in 1995. For the first time ever a team from Israel played against a team from Palestine on a sporting arena – at the Ekeberg fields in Oslo.
For more information on Norway Cup see their
web page