Ambassador Smith, Chief Rabbi Eisenberg, Ambassador Pochuch, and MP Schasching

Intercultural, International and Interfaith - these were the slogans behind the Interkick 2008 charity tournament organised jointly by the British Embassy in Vienna, the Ecumenical Council of Churches in cooperation with the Islamic and Jewish Communities and the Austrian sports association ASKÖ on the 4th of May 2008. “The purpose of the event was to bring together people form different cultures and religions to promote dialogue, integration and diversity”, said ambassador Smith.

Three teams participated in the tournament: “Nations United”, consisting of Ambassador Simon Smith with both male and female colleague diplomats from Kazashstan, Mexico, Canada, Chile, Japan and Turkey. “Peoples of Abraham” brought together clergy from the Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Serb Orthodox and Evangelical religions as well as the head of the Anglican church in Austria. The multicultural “Team ASKÖ" consisted of male and female players with diverse ethnic backgrounds. ASKÖ also proved an excellent host of the tournament.

With 7 a side on a reduced sized pitch, the participants showed great football skills. As well as a fun sporting event, there were activities in the intervals for all spectators, a raffle with superb prizes donated by well-known companies, a BBQ, and guest appearances from Duncan Larkin of FM4 radio as well as several players from FC Rapid, the current Austrian football champions.

The money raised was donated to an ongoing intercultural project at the primary school Ortnergasse (1150 Vienna), which has received several awards for its projects in this area. Further prominent appearances were the Chief Rabbi of Austria Paul Chaim Eisenberg and Member of Austrian Parliament Beate Schasching, who performed the ceremonial kick-off with Ambassador Smith. Czech Ambassador Ivan Pocuch, the Head of the local district council Gerhard Zatlokal and the head of the childrens' football association SUSA, Sean Laverty, refereed a match. Scottish piper Colin Campbell gave a live performance.