Homeless World Cup Brings Panache And Message
Soccer is a game of the masses and it is played as a group.
Rudyard Kipling must have watched the game when he came up with his ever-famous introduction to The Jungle Book.
"Now is the Law of the Jungle---as old and true as the sky;
And the wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the wolf that shall break it must die.
As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk, the Law runneth forward and back---
For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack."
It is a game that inspires the best in all of us and motivates individuals to exceed expectations for the greater good of the team. For millions of homeless individuals all over the planet, being a part of this tournament is a way to be and feel a part of something. They can be a part of a special moment in their life.
Listen to founder's interview on Soccer Pro - click here.
This is what makes the Homeless World Cup such a special event for hundred of homeless people that represent 47 countries. For them it is a chance to have their day in the sun as well as find that possibility that will help change their fortunes. There were various players that were able to stand out in this tournament. Milan was their field of dreams and for the Ukranian side, it was theirs to cherish for the rest of their lives. They were the winners of the seventh edition of this tournament having defeated Portugal 5-4 in the grand finale.
As much as some people see them as just numbers, homelessness is not an issue for entities like Camillus House or the Salvation Army to take up. There are close to seven million homeless people in the United States. That is well over twice the population of Uruguay, so one can get a greater grasp of the situation. It is an issue that affects us all, not only here in the States but throughout the world.
By using the sport as a way to showcase their abilities as well as their competitive spirit is a way to point out to the rest of the world that these individuals have the potential to be productive way to empower than by placing these athletes in an event t where they are not only the stars of the show; the issue of homelessness is placed front and center in ironically a city like Milan; which is known more for its glitz and fashion.
Homeless World Cup, MILAN 2009 - The Final from Jan-Paul Bednarz on Vimeo.
Soccer Pro has teamed up with Calle to produce the official Homeless World Cup shirt. This shirt will be offered to individuals that donate US$20 to the HWC . These shirts are being sold only through Soccer Pro until September 30th.
