THE REPORTER
The Umoja Outreach Foundation, a non-profit that unites the Muslim community through sports, will host its 10th annual Umoja Games Soccer Tournament at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, July 7-9.
The Umoja Games is the marquee event for the organization, featuring soccer games for boys and girls of all ages. The tournament brings thousands of families from across the continent and beyond, giving them an opportunity to build new relationships and become a part of a unified community.
“Umoja Games has created a united Umoja family, using soccer as a driving force that transcends cultural, ethnic or geographic differences that otherwise exist in Muslim communities,” said Umoja Outreach Foundation Co-Founder Mustafa Dinani. “Our focus at each tournament is to create a unique and inclusive experience for everyone so that they want to return year after year.”
What started as a 100-participant adult men’s tournament in 2012 has grown to an annual event with more than 1,000 participants. Most notably, the youth and women’s divisions have seen the largest growth in participation. The Umoja Games currently stands as the largest Muslim girls and women soccer tournament in North America.
The City of Westfield and the Grand Park team look forward to hosting the event for the first time this year.
“Westfield is honored to host the Umoja soccer tournament,” said Westfield Mayor Andy Cook, “and we welcome the games to the nation’s finest youth sports facility, Grand Park.”
The Umoja Games is open to spectators at no cost. Visitors are encouraged throughout the event to learn more about the different cultures present in the tournament and enjoy a special bazaar that will feature goods sold by members of the Umoja community.
“In all our interactions with the Umoja team, it’s clear how unique and passionate this community is,” said Hamilton County Sports Authority Director Karen Radcliff. “We look forward to welcoming Umoja participants to Hamilton County this July.”
More details on the Umoja Games can be found at UmojaOutreach.org/Games.
About Hamilton County Sports Authority
The Hamilton County Sports Authority creates positive economic and community impact by attracting, supporting, and developing sporting events, facilities and clubs for Hamilton County, Indiana. https://www.visithamiltoncounty.com/sports/