24.03.2009 14:30
Bamako, more with Barça than ever
Marc Parramon (special correspondent)
Today, player Seydou Keita and president Joan Laporta have inaugurated the first XICS centre in Mali. This centre in Bamako is the biggest yet in the Network of Solidarity Centres.
Joined by president Joan Laporta, director general Joan Oliver and the director general of the
Foundation Marta Segú, along with several Malian ministers, Seydou Keita was the host as the
biggest XICS centre so far, covering 12,695 m2, was inaugurated.
Warm welcome in Bamako
The Barça expedition arrived at 9.00 am in the district where the new XICS centre is to be
located, Téléphone Sans Fil in Bamako, where there were temperatures of over forty degrees. The
streets of the city were packed with people keen to see the opening of a much needed centre in such
a devastated area of the Malian capital.
Almost 400 people
There were some 400 people in
total, who were especially keen to get a look at the Barça delegation, and especially national hero
Seydou Keita. Two of the country’s ministers, those for solidarity and for education, were
also at the official presentation. They were joined by the president of the local Football
Federation, Salis Keita, as well as different members of the Agencia Española de Cooperación
Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID); and representatives of the Spanish Embassy in Mali.
Fifth XICS centre in Africa
President Joan Laporta spoke about how important it is for his Foundation to be able to open
this new centre in Africa. “We have 12 XICS centres and 5 are in Africa. Once more we can
show how sport is an excellent tool and instrument for social inclusion”, he said, and
personally thanked Seydou Keita for coming along to such an important event for the club.
Emotional for Keita
Keita said Barça’s implication in his country was something very special to him.
“It is an honour that Barça’s Foundation is working in Bamako to promote education and
make it possible for children from here to be future lawyers, architects...”
Very complicated situations
The beneficiaries of this centre
will include Habida Diarra, a 14 year old girl who has an 11-month old son and will also be
bringing her baby to the XICS centre. “My grandmother looks after me. Thanks to this centre,
I’ll be able to study and get a job and be able to look after my son”, said an
emotional Habida to the website and Barça TV.
Bassoma Samake, a teacher at the centre, underlined the idealness and necessity of this space
in such a needy neighbourhood. “This is magnificent day for all of the children of
Bamako” he said.