Coach spreads message of peace through tournament

Heading into the second year of organizing an Edmonton soccer tournament to promote world peace, Abdullahi Mohamed believes the sky is the limit for future multicultural events.

Mohamed, known as Captain Abdul, said this August’s Canada World Peace Soccer Tournament has more than 20 teams signed up to represent their countries, more than double the nine teams at the inaugural event last year.

“It’s all about peace and bringing everyone together,” said the longtime soccer coach, part-time DJ and taxi driver.

Captain Abdul said he wants to be a good influence for youth and teach them that playing a sport, like soccer, is a good outlet and a way for people to come together.

Returning champion Jamaica, and runner-ups Somalia and Liberia, will be a few of the countries represented by Edmonton soccer lovers during the two-day tournament Aug. 24-25. Teams can still register for the event and the tournament is looking for volunteers to assist with the running of games.

Following the success of the first tournament, Captain Abdul said he wants to take the tournament even further, including a dream of expanding outside of Canada.

But the soccer tournament isn’t the only initiative he wants to take on. His next quest is to establish the Canada World Peace Music Awards to celebrate genres of music from all cultures that are prevalent in Edmonton.

He said this multiculturalism that Canada represents is what he wants to remind people about in times of violence and hate.

“These are my dreams in Canada,” he said. “To show what a beautiful, multicultural society it is.”

Edmontonians interested in taking to the field or volunteering during the second annual soccer tournament can contact Captain Abdul at 780-953-2310.