The West African Mountain Stars took the Hispanic Hot Boots 5-3 in a friendly soccer match at Rainbow Park Sunday afternoon, but everyone was a winner at the intercultural event.
Almost 50 men competed in the game that was organized by Friends and Family of West Africa (FFWA), a group of Americans and Senegalese who are traveling to Senegal in November to foster cultural understanding between the two countries. After the game, hamburgers, hot dogs and a variety of West African dishes were available for all.
“The fun and companionship was great,” said Sylvia Dowty, one of the 10 individuals traveling to Senegal in November. “It was a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together and share a bit of each other’s culture.”
The goal of the FFWA group is learn first-hand about life in Senegal. Through its November trip, the group hopes to increase understanding of Fulani culture, values and religion, to deepen relationships between West Africans and other residents of Summit County, and to explore opportunities for socio-economic development within Senegalese communities.
Prior to the soccer game, the group completed a cross-cultural orientation facilitated by Myrna Ann Adkins of the Denver-based Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning.
“I was surprised when Aliou said I would be treated like a king when I am there,” said Zach Robertson, 8, who will go on the trip with his mother, Susan. “I think that might feel a little strange to me.”
The group chose to travel to Senegal to deepen long-standing relationships with individuals from that country. While in Senegal, they will stay in the villages of Oumar Niang and Aliou Ba, the two Africans taking part in the trip. The group will provide medical and school supplies and potentially computers to the villages they visit.
The group is covering its own travel expenses but is accepting donations to help with medical supplies and other service projects. Donations may be sent to FFWA, c/o Father Dyer UMC, PO Box 383, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
Almost 50 men competed in the game that was organized by Friends and Family of West Africa (FFWA), a group of Americans and Senegalese who are traveling to Senegal in November to foster cultural understanding between the two countries. After the game, hamburgers, hot dogs and a variety of West African dishes were available for all.
“The fun and companionship was great,” said Sylvia Dowty, one of the 10 individuals traveling to Senegal in November. “It was a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together and share a bit of each other’s culture.”
The goal of the FFWA group is learn first-hand about life in Senegal. Through its November trip, the group hopes to increase understanding of Fulani culture, values and religion, to deepen relationships between West Africans and other residents of Summit County, and to explore opportunities for socio-economic development within Senegalese communities.
Prior to the soccer game, the group completed a cross-cultural orientation facilitated by Myrna Ann Adkins of the Denver-based Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning.
“I was surprised when Aliou said I would be treated like a king when I am there,” said Zach Robertson, 8, who will go on the trip with his mother, Susan. “I think that might feel a little strange to me.”
The group chose to travel to Senegal to deepen long-standing relationships with individuals from that country. While in Senegal, they will stay in the villages of Oumar Niang and Aliou Ba, the two Africans taking part in the trip. The group will provide medical and school supplies and potentially computers to the villages they visit.
The group is covering its own travel expenses but is accepting donations to help with medical supplies and other service projects. Donations may be sent to FFWA, c/o Father Dyer UMC, PO Box 383, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
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