If ever there was a sporting tournament which shared Satguru Baba Hardev Singh Ji's message of togetherness and universal brotherhood, this was it.

The sport was football; the players were devotees of the Sant Nirankari Mission, UK and the prize was much coveted Peace Cup trophy.

Devotees from Bedford, Birmingham, Erith, Leicester, London and Wolverhampton all gathered at the Bunyan Sports Centre in Bedford to participate in this prestigious event which took place on the 12th of December 2009.

Prior to the tournament, Rev. Sukhjinder Singh Ji, as a representative of Social Welfare In-charge Rev. Mahesher Singh Bhumbra Ji, emphasised the importance of such an event which allowed devotees to work, play and pray together.

Before and after each game, devotees greeted each other by touching each others feet, hence recognising the God that resides within us all. This transmitted a positive feeling amongst players of all ages.

The Social and Welfare Advisory Team ensured that all the fixtures ran smoothly whilst the local volunteers provided fruit and water bottles to all the players.

After several hours of exciting and enjoyable football, the winners of the youth tournament were Bedford and the winners of the senior tournament were Birmingham's C team who narrowly edged out London's A team 2-1 in the final.

With a mutual feeling of respect amongst the teams, devotees applauded whilst the Peace Cup was presented to the winning teams by dignitaries such as the Mayor of Bedford, a community officer and SNM Bedford Committee who also presented everyone who took part with a medal of appreciation to signify that everyone who participated in the tournament was in fact a winner.

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