MYSA Tour 2011 Czech Republic - Policka and Ostrava
Policka 05.06 – 11.06
After 4 days in Prague, concluded successfully by the winning of the fair play trophy, the MYSA team headed to the small town of Policka situated between Prague and Olomouc. This new venue was the first opportunity for the Kenyans to encounter real Czech culture and traditions as they were hosted in Czech families. This truly composed one of the core elements of this exchange as the Kenyans had the unique chance to share their past experiences and culture on an individual level with their hosts. On the other hand, Kenyans had the chance to have an insight into the Czech culture from the education and language, to the food and music.
Following the educational aim of this exchange, the first 2 days of the programme in Policka were composed of workshops and seminars together with Czech high-school students. These seminars were focusing on raising awareness towards HIV/AIDS prevention and Gender equality. They were also accompanied by cultural performances such as dancing and singing.
The workshops were facilitated by INEX-SDA volunteers and prepared the MYSA youth for the next cities, where they will be holding leading roles during the seminars.
The next 2 days before the public event, the Kenyans had the chance to relax a bit, while experiencing the joy of recreational swimming pool and also spending time with their host families.
The stadium SK Masokombinat of Policka was the host of the final public event. In a familial and convivial atmosphere, the MYSA youth gathered together with local teams to play a fair-play football tournament and also perform traditional dances and songs. Alongside these activities, it was also the opportunity for INEX-SDA and other NGO’s to present their work. Documentation, flyers, books, wristbands were distributed to raise awareness about different development issues and more specifically about the positive role of football towards the Millenium Development Goals.
After thrilling games and a decisive game between MYSA and the school of Svitavy, the MYSA team ended the tournament on an honourable second place. Despite some disappointment felt in the eyes of the Kenyans, there was still room for celebrations as their female star striker Vivian Lesley won the individual award for best female player of the tournament.
The celebrations continued extensively in the evening at the reggae party in the theatre club of Policka. This concluded the excellent second chapter of the MYSA tour in the Czech Republic. On June 11th, the MYSA youth left Policka for Ostrava on the eastern boarder of the Czech Republic.
Ostrava 11.06 – 16.06
One day after the public event in Policka, it was already time for the next event in Ostrava. After an initial welcoming evening with hosting families on June 11th, the next Day for Africa took place. The event was hosted in the former and historical stadium of FC Ostrava - jih. During the whole day, the public could get information on various development projects in the Czech Republic and beyond, while watching exciting football games and enjoying cultural performances. The event was organised in a truly professional manner and attracted many people, who clearly enjoyed the event by the way they were dancing and applauding the artists
At the sound of djembes, African drums and songs, the MYSA team easily reached the final of the tournament, having performed one of its best football since their arrival in the Czech Republic. Nevertheless, this was not enough to guarantee them a first victory on their European Tour. The final match ended in an epic penalty shout out, which saw the opposing team win the tournament at the expense of MYSA.
After an intensive weekend of outdoor activities, with football and stage performances for MYSA, the week started with regular workshops and seminars as previously in Prague and Policka. Nevertheless, in Ostrava the MYSA participants were asked to play a more active role in conducting the seminar. With the experience of the previous 2 cities, the MYSA participants could explore their capacities and confidence in leading a seminar and share their knowledge accumulated during the first half of their tour in the Czech Republic.
Following the educational material produced by the project Football for Development, MYSA and Czech students explored ways to address HIV/AIDS prevention and gender equity.
In the afternoon, the MYSA team spend some cultural time, visiting the Museum of Ostrava and a photo exhibition. The next day continued with a follow up of the seminars and was followed by some social time in the afternoon with some games and gathering around the fire.
The next day, the MYSA youth got to spend some time with their families and in the afternoon they had the exclusive chance to experience the joy of Czech national sport Ice-Hockey. The local Ice-Hockey team HC Vitkovice Steel offered to practice with the MYSA team on a symbolic and sportive clash of cultures. This was a truly innovative experience for Kenyans as they enjoyed discovering a completely new sport and taking part in a training session with professional athletes.
The last day before the departure to the final destination in the Czech Republic, MYSA had the chance to go for a walk in the surrounding areas of Ostrava. It was also the occasion for them to visit the mining museum, the Landek Park and the CEZ arena.
On Friday 17th June, the MYSA delegation travelled by train to Olomouc for their last chapter in the Czech Republic.
