A three-day “Annual Sports Competition & Beach Carnival 2025” began in Cox’s Bazar on Monday with a focus on child protection, prevention of gender-based violence, and empowerment of adolescent girls through sports.
The event is being organised by JAAGO Foundation Trust in collaboration with UNICEF under the “Shopner Sharothi – Sea Shore Girls” project and is being held at the Hotel Seagull premises.
The carnival will run from Monday to Wednesday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm each day, with the theme highlighting sports as a tool for safety, confidence-building, and social change.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Cox’s Bazar District Education Officer Mohammad Golam Mostafa, Department of Youth Development Deputy Director Md Moazzem Hossain, Cox’s Bazar District Sports Officer Md Alauddin, and a representative of the Tourist Police Anisur Rahman.
JAAGO Foundation Trust Founder and Executive Director Korvi Rakshand presided over the programme, while UNICEF representatives attended as honoured guests.
The programme began with the hoisting of the national flag and the national anthem, followed by a collective child protection pledge by participants.
Events on the opening day included an art competition focusing on child rights and gender equality, a puppet show on awareness building, and cultural performances by local band Penoa.
Cox’s Bazar District Sports Officer Md Alauddin said sports now go beyond physical exercise and can open professional opportunities, noting that skills such as surfing could create employment in tourism and sports.
Department of Youth Development Deputy Director Md Moazzem Hossain said the Sea Shore Girls initiative was promoting leadership, creativity, and social responsibility among young people and adolescent girls.
Presiding over the event, JAAGO Foundation Trust Founder and Executive Director Korvi Rakshand said the project aimed to break gender stereotypes and social barriers, adding that sports-based leadership was helping girls build confidence and challenge discrimination.
The second day of the festival will feature a surfing competition for project trainees, a magic show, and a drama focusing on preventing gender-based violence.
The three-day event will conclude on Wednesday with an award ceremony.
Organisers said the joint initiative of JAAGO Foundation Trust and UNICEF aims to contribute to a safer and more inclusive social environment for children and adolescents in coastal areas of Cox’s Bazar.
