Lincs: Premier League star Asmir Begovic calls on school children to play in Remembering Srebrenica tournament

Bosnia-Herzegovina international footballer Asmir Begovic is calling on school children in Lincolnshire to score a victory against hatred and intolerance by playing in a nationwide football tournament to mark the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.
Stoke City star Asmir Begovic is backing the Remembering Srebrenica TournamentStoke City star Asmir Begovic is backing the Remembering Srebrenica Tournament
Stoke City star Asmir Begovic is backing the Remembering Srebrenica Tournament

Teachers at secondary schools in Lincolnshire now have the opportunity sign up their students to take part in Remembering Srebrenica’s 8-3-7-2 Tournament, which aims to unite 8372 young people in 380 schools across the country to play football on the same day, 5th June.

Stoke City star Begovic is backing the UK charity’s event, which aims to encourage pupils to learn lessons from the genocide.

The figure 8372 represents the number of individuals who lost their lives during the atrocity in eastern Bosnia in July 1995.

Begovic was himself forced to leave Bosnia as a child during the conflict and is a tournament ambassador.

“The Srebrenica genocide was the worst war crime in Europe since the Second World War,” he said.

“I’m proud to support Remembering Srebrenica’s 8-3-7-2 Tournament which brings young people together through football to remember the victims and survivors.”

“It’s a really powerful way to help the next generation to learn about the importance of tackling hatred and intolerance.”

“This will help us to build a stronger society around the world.”

Two winning teams will get the chance to meet the Premier League player and a further 15 winning teams will be invited to take part in the charity’s national Srebrenica memorial event at Westminster Abbey, London on 6th July.

Full information on how schools can apply to join the 8-3-7-2 Tournament can be found at www.srebrenica.org.uk or teachers can e-mail [email protected].

The closing date for applications is 15th May.