Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination. – Nelson Mandela

This report aims to provide an overview of the inaugural Baton Rouge “Red Stick Unification Cup” and the progress we have made. The Red Stick Unification Cup aims to bring our various communities together through soccer.

In the past few months, LORI has been able to partner with the Major’s Office of International Relations to design a logo for the Red Stick Unification Cup. Since then, the coordinator of the BR Red Stick Unification Cup has been working with LORI to ensure that we can put on a wonderful event for the city for the city Baton Rouge.

Since then, we have set up a committee to help get the word out in the community. In addition, we have met with BREC to present our ideas and they are willing to partner with us. We have also done some groundwork in identifying individuals who can play a crucial role in helping us with sponsorship and raising funds. We were also recently awarded the Sparking Change Grant by UNHCR to put on this tournament.

In the coming weeks, we hope to meet with more sponsors like PEPSI to present the Unification Cup to their marketing director for Louisiana. Key businesses like the Londoner, and the Mad Dog have also been identified as potential partners.

As of now, we have 5 teams that have verbally committed however, only three have registered. In the coming weeks and months, we are looking to push hard to spread the word in the Hispanic community to create some excitement. We also need the city to be more involved in terms of reaching out to local community leaders talk promote the event.