Fighting the Battle

The Event:  Euro 2008.  The Spots: Basel and Vienna.  The Days:  Wednesday, June 25th and Thursday, June 26th 2008.  The Scene:  A range of events taking place under the Unite Against Racism initiative – including a message from team captains after the national anthems, and audience participation with multi-colored bibs for each spectator to wear before kick-off.   The Reason:  The Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network is working closely with UEFA as a Football Social Responsibility partner at UEFA EURO 2008™ to send out a message against racism and discrimination, and to celebrate the diversity of Europe’s best-loved sport.

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Survivor Champion to Dribble 500 Miles for Grassroot Soccer

Starting in August 2008 Ethan Zohn, Champion of CBS Survivor Africa, will dribble a soccer ball 500 miles from Boston, MA to Washington, DC, raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. The 2008 Dribble will launch Grassroot Soccer United, a youth-led soccer club designed to support kids around the world in their fight against HIV/AIDS. Selected as one of three SFBW winners, Grassroot Soccer uses the power and popularity to arm African youth with the knowledge, life skills, and social support they need to live HIV-free.

On August 20, 2008, the New England Revolution host a Major League Soccer match in Gillette Stadium just outside Boston, MA. Minutes before the starting whistle, from the center of the pitch, Ethan will begin his southern trek. One step, one dribble and one day at a time, Zohn and GRS-U will visit hundreds of youth soccer clubs and players, between Boston and Washington, coaching soccer clinics, informing about the challenges of growing up in southern Africa, and teaching about the importance of making healthy choices in life. Zohn will conclude the dribble on December 1, 2008, in Washington DC on World AIDS Day.

This initiative is sponsored by PUMA, a long-time supporter of African Football. PUMA has created PUMA and GRS co-branded soccer balls and apparel with all proceeds benefiting GRS’s mission. PUMA and GRS first worked together in 2006 when they teamed up on “The African Game,” a special book project celebrating African Football.

To learn more, participate, and support Grassroot Soccer United, visit www.grassrootsoccerunited.org. The top 11 fundraisers will win a trip to South Africa.

Grassroot Soccer United Promo Video

The Premier of “Kicking It”

“Kicking It,” a new documentary film directed by Susan Koch, provides a glimpse into the Homeless World Cup tournament.  This provocative film showcases the story of seven impoverished men whose lives are deeply affected after playing in the 2006 tournament in Cape Town South Africa.  I ask you, do you think soccer or sport for that matter can be used as a vehicle for social change?  Let’s hear your perspective! 

Look for showings of this film coming to theaters near you.

Ashoka Fellows “Fighting” for Peace

Approximately 500 minors were killed in armed conflict in Israel and Palestine between 1988 and 2001.  In 2000, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, 6,218 people under 25 years old were killed by firearms.  Two Ashoka Fellows, Abdel Fattah Abu-Srour and Luke Dowdney, are “fighting” for peace by using sports to empower and improve the situation violence in their regions.

In Palestine, Abdel Fattah works within the Aida refugee camp to spread peace through theater, sports, the arts and non violent resistance training for the community.  Most recently, Abdel Fattah is working on the construction of a fitness and dance center for women.  This effort is geared towards empowering women and breaking down the cultural norms that have restricted them to their homes. 

Through the Changemakers competition Abdel Fattah became aware another Palestinian organization, PACES, who is also using sports to promote peace.  The relationship began online on the Changemakers website and eventually Abdel Fattah and a PACES representative met face to face to discuss ways in which they could collaborate. 

In Rio de Janeiro, Luke Dowdney offers at-risk youth an alternative to the widespread violence, crime and drug trade that permeates the surrounding city and slums.  “Fight for Peace” entices youth to get off the streets by offering classes and competitions in boxing, wrestling, and capoeira.   In addition to offering a safe space for sports and play, Fight for Peace encourages students to stay in school and even provides supplementary education.  Luke leads skill trainings and arranges internship and job opportunities, teaches sex education and hosts discussions on human rights, culture, family and violence. 

Please feel free to check out theses “Sport for a Better World” entries:

Luke Dowdney: Fight for Peace
http://www.changemakers.net/en-us/node/2800

Abdel Fattah Abu-Srour: Sports for Beautiful Change http://www.changemakers.net/en-us/node/2033

Kitso’s Video