2006 Homeless World Cup
The Homeless World Cup, created in 2003 by the International Network of Street Papers, is an annual event that will take place in South Africa this year. 48 countries will participate.
The idea behind the tournament is twofold. Organizers hope to draw attention to poverty while encouraging tournament participants to reform their lives. According to the official site:
74% of players have significantly changed their living situation after the Homeless World Cup by either finding jobs, improving their housing situation, choosing education or undergoing drug and alcohol treatment.
The English side is partially sponsored by Manchester United and the Spainish team is linked with Real Madrid. Nike partially backs the tournament through NikeGO, the same initiative that led the company to donate a number of soccer fields earlier this year.
The Homeless World Cup is so popular (drawing 50,000 fans in 2005) that the U.S. side has elected to hold national tryouts this year.
5 comments
I’m waiting for some country to pull a “ringer” and fix the Homeless World Cup.
I’m waiting for some country to pull a “ringer” and fix the Homeless World Cup.
My money’s on France.
Zidane will ripping people’s hearts out with his performances.
Can I go try out if I sell all my worldly possessions?
Can I go try out if I sell all my worldly possessions?
Just show up as you are; everyone will believe you’re homeless.
Hippie.
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