Since its inception in 2016, the Harmony Cup has been more than just a sporting competition—it’s been a beacon of unity, sportsmanship, and community for Islamic schools in New South Wales.
As a follow-up discussion after the 2024 Harmony Cup Presentation Dinner held on November 27th at Unity Grammar School Hall, we had the privilege to interview Mr Ali Korouche over email correspondences, the founder of this inspiring initiative. Here, he shared the vision, challenges, and future aspirations behind the Harmony Cup.
The purpose behind the Harmony Cup
The founder of Harmony Cup: Mr. Ali Kourouche.
Q: What inspired you to create the Harmony Cup?
Ali Korouche: “The idea began as a passion project during my time as a sports teacher at Arkana College. I wanted to provide Muslim students with a platform to excel in sports while fostering an Islamic-based environment. The goal was simple yet profound: to allow students to represent their schools, families, and faith with pride while showcasing their talents. We wanted to create a pathway for our youth to excel, not just athletically but also in character and leadership.”
Q: What makes the Harmony Cup unique compared to other school competitions?
Ali Korouche: “The Harmony Cup isn’t just about physical ability. It’s about Akhlak (morality) and Adab (etiquette). Students are expected to demonstrate exemplary behavior on and off the field. The competition is as much about nurturing future leaders as it is about celebrating sporting talent. This dual focus sets it apart.”
Milestones and achievements
Q: What were some highlights of the 2024 Harmony Cup?
Ali Korouche: “This year was special because we introduced the School Championships for the first time. Schools competed for points, and we crowned overall champions. We also formed the NSW Islamic Schools Sports Association (NSW ISSA), which allowed us to select representative teams. One of the most memorable moments was the primary school teams’ tour to Melbourne. Our girls’ team won the Basketball championship, and our boys’ team won both Basketball and Futsal. These achievements speak volumes about the talent and potential within our community.”
Q: Could you share more about the winners and the participants?
Ali Korouche: “This year’s Primary Champions were Arkana College, and Unity Grammar took home the High School Championship. The representative teams included students from various schools, and their success highlights the collective effort. The entire event brought together 20 primary students and 13 high school students, alongside dedicated coaching staff. It was a true celebration of unity” (read the details of the school championships winners at Harmony Cup Presentation Dinner 2024: A Celebration of Sporting Excellence and Unity).
Challenges and support
Q: How has the Harmony Cup been funded and sustained?
Ali Korouche: “We rely on a mix of sponsorships, contributions from participating schools, and funding from FitXP, particularly for referees and venue hire. However, the need for additional support remains. To take the Harmony Cup to greater heights, we’re calling on Muslim and ethically sound businesses to step in. The ultimate dream is to grow this competition into an international platform, and that requires a community-wide effort. Every contribution is counted; please contact Ali Korouche at ali@fitxp.com.au for more info.”
Future aspirations
Q: What’s next for the Harmony Cup?
Ali Korouche: “InshaAllah, we’re planning a national championship in Queensland in 2025. By 2026, we hope to host an international competition, bringing together Muslim schools from around the world. We’re also looking at expanding beyond students to include a teacher-focused competition and a wellbeing initiative in 2026. The Harmony Cup’s journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless.”
Q: How do you measure the moral success of the event?
Ali Korouche: “We look for students who not only excel in sports but also lead by example. They must embody leadership, kindness, and integrity. We want them to inspire their peers, becoming role models in both their schools and communities. Awards are not just for performance but for character, ensuring we celebrate holistic development.”
A message to the community
Q: What message would you like to share with the broader community?
Ali Korouche: “The Harmony Cup is about more than sports. It’s about creating pathways for our youth, uniting our community, and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. To everyone who has supported us so far, JazakAllah Khair. To those looking to contribute, know that your involvement can make a world of difference. Together, we can achieve so much.”
Certificates of Appreciation for the coaches from each school.
Mr Kourouche concluded the interview by proving that the 2024 Harmony Cup Presentation Dinner was clear evidence that the Harmony Cup’s impact extends far beyond the sporting field. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision.
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