BUFFALO, N.Y. — A local organization helping immigrants hosted a youth soccer tournament Saturday on Buffalo's Lower West Side.
Bridges from Borders teamed up with the Maendeleo Soccer Club of Buffalo to host the first ever #OneWorld Soccer Tournament in Western New York.
Organizers said they're working to bridge the gap between cultures through some friendly competition.
"It's not often that you see all of these different communities come together in one place, so when we can get them together and really open people's minds and break down barriers, it's super special," Samantha Dalka, the program coordinator with Bridges from Borders, told 2 On Your Side.
Bridges from Borders said it hopes to host the tournament every year and expand to more communities. The nonprofit organization was founded in 2020 "as a result of the pandemic's impact in the Asian community and the increasing needs of mental health support," the group said.
Maendeleo Soccer Club coaches say participating in a sport improves the physical and mental health of kids, and teaches important skills. This team is made up of refugee children.
The #OneWorld Soccer Tournament was held from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Dobson Field.