Share

First ever Dwarf Copa America tackles prejudice

Buenos Aires - The first Dwarf Copa America has started in Buenos Aires with the goal of using football to tackle social prejudices.

Teams from Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, the United States, Canada, Paraguay, Peru, and Bolivia are taking part in the continental tournament with Morocco joining the line-up by special invitation. It began on Thursday and runs until Sunday.

"We belong to the most discriminated against group in the world. We have managed to change that, to show what we are capable of - to play football, to work and to study," said Facundo Rojas, captain of Argentina.

Brazilian team member Oromar Miranda said: "For years we never even dreamed we would be playing an official football match one day, so it is very important for us."

Matches are played on indoor pitches with teams of seven-a-side. Goal posts are smaller: 1.70m high and 2m wide, against 2.44m and 7.32m for traditional full-size goals.

Argentina football idol and Barcelona super star Leo Messi has taken note of the new tournament, according to Diego Serpentini, who is playing for Argentina here.

"I was able to meet Leo Messi and he said he had heard good things about the tournament. If he has heard about it, it means the tournament is generating a lot of interest," Serpentini told AFP.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE