Ulipur (Kurigram) Correspondent:

A unique friendly football match was held in Ulipur, Kurigram, with the participation of children and youth to raise awareness, develop leadership and strengthen social engagement to address the challenges of climate change.

The event was organized under the “Sports for Protection, Resilience and Transformation (SPiRiT)” project at Bakor Hat High School ground of Ulipur Municipality on Tuesday (15 April 2026). The program is funded by the Olympic Refugee Foundation (ORF) and Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), with technical assistance from Teredes (tdh) and implemented by Solidarity.

Children, adolescents and youth from various climate-vulnerable areas participated in the event. According to the organizers, the main goal of the project is to develop the physical capabilities, mental well-being and life skills of the participants through sports, as well as to develop leadership qualities.

Before the game, five climate-related question-and-answer sessions were held between the two teams. The team that answered more correctly was given the opportunity to toss—making the game both educational and interesting.

The spontaneous participation, enthusiasm, and enthusiasm of the children and youth in this match, organized in a festive atmosphere, was remarkable. The presence of local parents and the general public enlivened the entire event.

In the competitive game, the Bakar Hat team won by displaying excellent skills, while the Majhirvita team achieved the honor of becoming the runner-up. At the end of the game, the guests presented trophies and prizes to the winning and runner-up teams.

The event was attended by Upazila Youth Development Officer, Sports Organizer and President of Laldal Krira Sangha Laxman Sengupta, Professor and Senior Journalist of Bakar Hat Fazil Madrasa Sultan Ahmed, President of SPiRiT Union Committee Rafiqul Islam, Headmaster of Bakar Hat High School Alamgir Hossain, Project Monitoring Officer, Tara Mandal, Community Facilitator and local dignitaries.

The organizers said that the main goal of this initiative is to create awareness about climate change through sports and to involve the young generation in positive social activities. There are plans to organize such activities on a larger scale in the future.