Celebrating Unity and Dignity at the 15th Faisal Cup Finals

28 June 2023

The story behind Faisal Cup is one that automatically leaves us all in tears. Faisal, a young boy with an unwavering passion for football, tragically lost his life while attempting to retrieve a buoyant ball from the depths of the Gombak river. The devastating news shattered our hearts.

In response to this heartbreaking incident, Dignity took action. We initiated the Faisal Cup, an event designed to empower underprivileged children to play football without fear. Faisal's passing opened a new door of hope for countless children in Malaysia, reminding us all that no child should ever lose their life over something that seems so small to us but is so important to them.

Last Saturday, the much-anticipated 15th Faisal Cup Finals unfolded with great excitement and passion. The tournament brought together 189 teams and an astounding 1,512 players hailing from different regions, including the Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor. The event was a true testament to the power of football in uniting children from diverse backgrounds.

Inclusivity at its Best

What made this year's Faisal Cup Finals remarkable was the remarkable inclusivity it fostered. Among the participants, 1,080 boys and 432 girls took to the field, accounting for an impressive 28% of the total participants. With age categories ranging from U8 to U18 for both boys and girls, the tournament showcased a wide range of talent and skill, proving that football knows no boundaries.

"Sporting events have the ability to unite people - no matter their origin, religious belief, or immigration status. The Faisal Cup tournament over the years has shown how it breaks down barriers between refugee and non-refugee children, and foster acceptance and understanding among these communities." - Richard Towle, UNHCR Representative

An inclusive event on the field with 432 girls actively participating in the game.

The march in - represented by the different nationalities and ethnicities.

The success of the 15th Faisal Cup Finals would not have been possible without the enthusiasm, passion, and cooperation of everyone involved. Special thanks to our 130 Dignity staff members who volunteered their time over four weekends and 120 external volunteers from BNP Paribas, Xylem Malaysia, Manulife Insurance, and Kinetic Hiring, who contributed their efforts to make this event truly memorable.

The penalty shoot out of one of the most intense matches - U18 boys finals.

YB Hannah Yeoh presenting the medals to U8 Champions - Grace Education Centre.

We were honored to have esteemed guests of honor, YB Hannah Yeoh, Datuk Seri Windsor John, Thomas Albrecht, Mr. Mohd Faidz Sanusi, and James Ling, grace our event. Special thanks to Barça Foundation, our main sponsor, for their unwavering support and funding through UNHCR.

We are particularly grateful to YB Hannah Yeoh for her special remarks and pledge towards the 2024 Faisal Cup, promising an exciting future for the tournament. Additionally, we acknowledge the significant contributions of our individual and corporate sponsors, including Dato Seri Windsor John, Dato Yap Nyim Keong, Inside Scoop, Farm Fresh, Jaya Grocer, ISKL, Milo Truck, Linaco Sdn Bhd, and DJ Julian.

We are truly grateful for the support and look forward to what next year's edition will bring.

As we reflect on the success of the 15th Faisal Cup Finals, we invite other corporates and organizations to join us in our mission to empower and uplift children through education and football. You can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children, providing them with educational opportunities that break the cycle of poverty. Together, let us create a society where every child has the chance to play, learn, and grow with dignity. For inquires, please email us at dignity@dignityforchildren.org

Share the story!

About Dignity

Our work began in 1998 in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur with only 20 students then. Dignity is now a learning centre with more than 2,300 children ranging from 2-19 years old.

Get to know us

Our Mission

Leadership Team

Annual Report

Get involved

Corporate Involvement

Scholarships & Other Programmes

Latest Updates

Our Blog

Current Needs

Donations are exempted from income tax under subsection 44(6) Income Tax Act 1967. Tax exemption receipt is available upon request.

❤ by XIMNET