Initiators of the
inaugural Deloitte Street Child World Cup have stated that they plan to
hold future street child games in countries hosting major sporting
events, such as world cups and the Olympics.
Another Homeless World Cup?
The Street Child
World Cup is meant to, among other things, create a platform for the
youngsters to share experiences of their respective countries. With
themes such as home, safety and health, the youngsters will share
stories and discuss future aspirations with each other.
The tournament,
which was initiated by UK human rights organisation, Amos Trust, and
facilitated by Umthombo, a nongovernmental organisation working with
street children in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, witnessed more than 70
homeless teenagers from nine countries compete against each other in
South Africa from March 15 to 22.
In the first event
of its kind which was won by India, football teams made up of street
children (mixed with boys and girls playing together) from Brazil,
England, India, Nicaragua, Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, Ukraine
and Vietnam, featured a series of seven-a-side indoor matches, while
the winning squad took home an impressive trophy.
Reaching out to children
Umthombo CEO, Tom
Hewitt, said, “Events like these are a good way to reach out to
children living on the streets. The tournament is fantastic; it
celebrates the potential of street children. The youngsters are
thrilled to be taking part in such a competition”
The tournament’s
Head of Media, Joe Hewitt, explained why the event was held in South
Africa: “It’s fitting that the inaugural tournament is staged in South
Africa in 2010, to coincide with the FIFA World Cup here. The FIFA
World Cup is something that should be for all. These children should be
involved in it in some way; they should be given a special opportunity
to be involved as flag bearers and ball crew members.”
Fully Endorsed
Some of the
influential personalities who have endorsed the Cup include South
African Archbishop, Desmond Tutu; AC Milan and England midfielder David
Beckham; Bafana Bafana captain, Aaron Mokoena; Manchester United
manager, Sir Alex Ferguson; UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown; and
Filipino professional boxer, Manny Pacquiao.
In a statement,
Tutu said, “The Deloitte Street Child World Cup demonstrates the
tremendous potential of every single child, and especially street
children, who are so often treated as less than human. I am proud that
the first ever Street Child World Cup took place in South Africa.”
His enthusiasm was
equally shared by Ferguson, who has visited South Africa a number of
times with his team, to play Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando
Pirates in the annual Vodacom Challenge tournament.
“I am delighted
that the first Street Child World Cup took place in South Africa where
I know there is a huge passion for football. No child should have to
live on the streets and I fully endorse this campaign giving street
children a voice to claim their rights,” Ferguson said.
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