JUNE 2022

FROM THE ARCHIVE
Remembering
Chaldean
soccer clubs
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The Iraqi United Youth Club
put on a large festival in
July of 1980 that showcased
Chaldean soccer clubs from
around the country. The event,
lasting several days and nights,
was held in historic Chaldean
Town, a district located along 7
Mile Road where many Chaldean
immigrants settled. The festivities
included speeches, music, food,
dance, and much more.
The festival had basketball
games, and many Chaldeans
formed teams to participate against
one another in direct competition
as shown in photo #1.
Photo #2 shows the versatility of
the festival. There were many teams
at the tournament and some, not
from Detroit, hailed from places like
Chicago or San Diego. The competition
also featured youth teams like
the one pictured.
Photo #3 depicts the opening
ceremonies where the Iraqi flag,
American flag, and Iraqi United
Youth Flag were held side by side
and the Iraqi and American national
anthems were performed.
At the end of the festival, players
and teams were awarded trophies
according to their record.
Photo #4 shows Jamal Kallabat
receiving a trophy from Massoud
Karma, who is standing on stage
next to Zuhair Garmo.
Photo #5 features some of the
organizers and original members
of the Iraqi United Youth Club.
Pictured from left to right are Talal
Mukhtar, Massoud Karma, Hanna
Sheena, and Ragied Esshaki. Other
organizers not pictured included
Talal Samona, Kamal Mukhtar,
Sami Bahoora, Wally Jadan, and
Kamil Karma.
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This page is part of a new
series featuring photos from
the archive. If you have a
special image you want to
feature, please contact
edit@chaldeannews.com.
46 CHALDEAN NEWS JUNE 2022