Thailand’s notorious Klong Prem Central Prison houses over 7,000 prisoners, 16% of who are foreigners from 56 different countries. This large number of foreign nationals allows the prison to host its very own World Cup tournament every four years in line with the official 2010 FIFA World Cup. The only difference is that the ‘Behind Bars’ competition begins and ends a day early.
This year’s ‘World Cup Behind Bars’ competition features 18 seven-player teams representing nations like the U.S., Italy, France, England, Germany, South Africa, Mexico and of course Thailand, to name a few. The irony is that prisoners chosen to play may side with whichever team they want, regardless of their own nationality.
The first match occurred on June 10 and pitted team Mexico against team South Africa. It was comprised of two 20-minute halves on a half-sized pitch, with prisoners on the sidelines cheering or jeering under the vigilant eyes of a dozen or so guards. There was no winner this round (1-1), but the final winner of the ‘Behind Bars’ match will be rewarded with a mock FIFA World Cup trophy on July 10.
The competition, which was also held in 2002 and 2006, is designed to make prisoners better people so that upon their release, they’ll perform better in society. “We think of sports as a way to rehabilitate and reform prisoners before they reintegrate into society,” said Corrections Department director-general Thanis Sriyapan.
Plus the inmates seem to enjoy it. “It’s not often that we get to enjoy things like this,” said Mitchell Blake, 43, during an interview with World News Australia.
If these men get their act together, they must just perhaps have the option of one day playing in the real World Cup—once they’re released, that is.
Resources:
http://www.weirdasianews.com/2010/06/29/seeking-alternative-sports-world-cup-bars/
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