By Pvt. Christopher McKenna
2rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Public Affairs
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq – The Mahmudiyah Soccer Stadium officially opened Apr. 20 with a 24-team, double-elimination tournament sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
This was the first in a series of three tournaments scheduled over the next four months. Security for each event will be provided by the 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.
"Many people are excited about both the tournament and the stadium," said Garbi Abbas, the Mahmudiyah Qada council sports and youth director. "These games are a place for children and adults alike to enjoy the game of soccer."
The stadium now has three levels of concrete bleachers, fencing around the field and a drainage system connected to sewer pipe lines, allowing the field to properly drain after a rainfall.
"This tournament is a time for people who are interested in sports to come out and celebrate," Abbas said. "It's been a long time since the area was safe enough for something like this to happen."
Rakkasan Soldiers are looking on from the outside, allowing the events to take place without coalition presence.
"The security in the area has increased drastically since we have arrived," said Lt. Col. William Zemp, commander 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). "This tournament can occur because of the cohesiveness between the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and Sons of Iraq working together to ensure a safe environment in Mahmudiyah."
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