Captured president of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been detained along with many  other members of the National League for Democracy, while the military takes over control of the country’s government. The military that has taken over feels as though there was election fraud in the recent election. Many in Myanmar are fighting this through their Civil Disobedience Movement, in an attempt to get their country back. 

According to an abc news article, more than 149 protesters have been killed and several have been injured due to the military’s use of force. In an attempt to send help to Myanmar, SHS head soccer coach Aba Phutin came up with the idea of holding a soccer tournament to raise funds. They call it the Civil Disobedience Movement Soccer Tournament.

“We planned this event because we wanted to help our people that are in need, and we wanted to show that we support the Civil Disobedience Movement that our people have demonstrated in (Myanmar),” Phutin wrote in an email to The Journal. “We want to bring awareness to what is happening in (Myanmar).”                                                        

Several SHS soccer players participated in the tournament, including juniors Cung Ro Bawi and Carlos Herrera.

The players were inspired to play because of how they wanted to be able to support their home country, even if they couldn’t be physically present. 

“I have family in Myanmar, and they are facing the coup…,” Bawi said. “It wasn’t just for soccer. It was for support.”

The participants of the tournament had many goals that they wanted to accomplish through the tournament, one of which was aiding families financially. A big thing they wanted was to show that they support the people in Myanmar from here. 

“We also hope that it motivates more people to join CDM movements as well, and we get democracy and the federal back,” Phutin said.

Teams paid to participate in the tournament, and this money went back to the disobedience movement in Myanmar. According to Phutin, there were 16 different teams involved in the tournament. Most of the teams were from Indiana, but they even got a team from Michigan to help out with the cause. 

Not everyone who helped out just played soccer. Phutin said they had people helping out by selling waters and refereeing the games as well. And with the help of the coaches, players, and everyone involved, in the end they were able to raise $2,500. 

Phutin was very thankful for not only his players’ participation with the tournament, but everyone who was there to help out. He says he respects them for being so selfless and putting their skills to good use.

“When I saw some of my players participated in this tournament, I felt very grateful. I feel like they are using their gifts skills through soccer, time and money to help the ones that are needed in (Myanmar), so I give them huge respect and love,” Phutin said.