3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

Story by Pvt. Jared N. Gehmann

BAGHDAD – It may have not been the World Cup, but for eight Iraqi community teams pride was at stake during a daylong soccer tournament held throughout the vast Ma'dain region, Oct 9.

The small remote towns of Jasr Diyala, Narwan, and Village 10, located on the outskirts of eastern Baghdad, hosted the tournament matches.

As normalcy continues to fill the worn torn country, U.S. and Iraqi officials want to show the Iraqi populace that the improved security is here to stay

"It is wonderful to see everyone here working together under the logo of cooperation and brotherhood," said Dr. Khalid Alrrakabi, sports director for the Ma'dain region and the manager of the Jasr Diyala sports complex. "There are few events such as this where all the different communities of our region can come together and bond."

As the teams played, residents from the surrounding community gathered near the field to observe and cheer on their favorite team. However, with all the fun and excitement, paratroopers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division and their ISF partners maintained security to keep everyone attending the games safe.

"We would not have been able to hold these without the help of the U.S. Army and the Iraqi police protecting the surrounding area. A large gathering such as this could be a good target for violence," said Alrrakabi.

Prior to the games, paratroopers handed out soccer jerseys, balls and other equipment to many of the players. Many of the balls were donated by the "Kick for Nick" organization. The organization was founded in honor of Pfc. Nick Madaras, who was killed by an improvised explosive device in Baquba, Iraq, on Sept. 3, 2006.

Leaders from the 3rd BCT, along with key Iraqi officials have been planning this tournament for weeks and for many seeing the event take place was a sign that their hard work was bearing fruit.

"I know that these guys put a lot of work into getting this thing organized. Now it's our job to protect our superior officers and the people while they enjoy watching the games," said Sgt. Clay Hartsook, of Oakridge N.C.

There were winners and losers, but the unity between the players and the people of the region was truly the ultimate 'goal' of the day.

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