12th Edition of Flag Day: Powerade and FC Toro Unite for a Moving Football Tournament in Pétion-Ville

Last Sunday, May 18, on the occasion of the 222nd anniversary of the Haitian flag, Powerade and FC Toro organized the 12th edition of the Flag Day tournament, a day of football celebrated at Parc Saint-Thérèse in Pétion-Ville. The event brought together several teams from football schools, who competed in different categories: U6, U9, U11, U13, U15, U17, and U19.

To the rhythm of the referees' whistles, the ball danced to the delight of the supporters, lulled by the festive atmosphere provided by a live band and DJs.

Despite the wave of insecurity affecting the capital, the organizers were keen to maintain this sporting event, a true breath of fresh air for Haitian youth. “Football cannot die,” several stakeholders present on the field affirmed with conviction.

At the heart of this year's event, memories enrich the annals of this tournament. The Jacot Football Passion club broke the hegemony of the favorites by winning two championship titles, in the U9 and U11 categories, confirming the quality of its training of young talents, coached in Henfrasa, Delmas 33.

The Jacot Football Passion school also reached the final in the U19 category, delivering an intense match against SETH Football Académie, on Sunday afternoon. After a draw at the end of regular time, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. Jacot lost 6-5 after a thrilling session, leaving the title to SETH but departing with honors.

This tournament brought young people together around the values of sport, in a difficult context. Above all, it showed that the passion for football remains very much alive in Haiti and that hope continues to spring forth, ball at foot.

In a country where many sectors of activity are paralyzed by insecurity, sport — and football in particular — is trying to resist a terror that has lasted too long.