BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. A “Friendship Cup”
mini-football tournament was held among teams of boys and girls
aged 10-12 and 13-15, raised in orphanages, with the initiative of
Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation,
founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, and Arzu Aliyeva, head
of the Baku Media Center, Trend reports.
The tournament aimed to support the physical and psychological
development of children, strengthen their team spirit,
self-confidence, and social skills. The competition was organized
by the Azerbaijan Football Federations Association, and teams from
Orphanages No. 1, 2, and 3, operating under the Social Services
Agency, participated in the event.
A strong sporting spirit and friendly relations were observed
between both girls and boys. During the games, both the children
and the spectators showed great enthusiasm and joy.
One of the most memorable moments of the tournament was when
Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva, who attended the event and watched
the games in person, supported all the teams, engaged in friendly
conversations with the children, and took pictures with them. They
wished the participants success and emphasized the importance of
organizing such events on a larger scale in the future.
The winning teams in both age groups were awarded diplomas,
medals, and trophies. Additionally, teams that placed second and
third also received medals and diplomas.
The main goal of the “Friendship Cup” mini-football tournament
was not only to promote a healthy lifestyle and physical activity
among children growing up in orphanages but also to support their
integration into society and create an opportunity for new
friendships.
At the end of the event, the children, caretakers, and
organizers expressed that such initiatives had a positive impact on
their lives and wished for the continuation of such social-sports
projects.
