Diary of an Intern: Continuing The World Cup (Service) Legacy
Subscribe to the Blog RSS FeedFirstly, I should admit that as a college soccer player and a Global Studies major, I am a sap for anything related to the great sport of futbol and anything that promotes global unity. I would tear up at every World Cup commercial and video montage and a chorus of We Are the World always gives me goosebumps.
That bias aside, I think it was difficult not to be inspired by the service, the inspirational words from Nelson Mandela, and the conversations about education and poverty that closed out the World Cup frenzy. Last Sunday, just hours before Spain clinched the championship, world leaders, athletes, celebrities, and innovative thinkers assembled for the 1GOAL Education Summit hosted by President Zuma of South Africa. The summit provided an opportunity for lively conversation and a renewed commitment to education across the continent, led by African heads of state and supported by the global community.
President Zuma greets attendees at the 1GOAL Education Summit
The 1GOAL initiative has been an ongoing endeavor, with the World Cup anticipated to be the culmination of many nations' collective efforts. Captain of the South African team and 1GOAL Ambassador Aaron Mokoena shared his thoughts about the campaign:
“President Zuma must be credited for calling this summit. 14 million football fans from around the world have signed up to this campaign and now world leaders need to make the dream of Education for All a reality. History shows that where the political will exists, great things can happen. South Africa now shares the delivery of this legacy with the rest of the world.”
Supporters of the 1GOAL campaign visit a local school in South Africa
If you're new to futbol scene you may be wondering why the female futbolers were missing from the international stage. Well, the women have their own World Cup, which will be hosted by Germany in 2011. But during their downtime they're still finding ways to inspire and serve.
Kristine Lilly, captain of the US Women's team and World Cup veteran (and my personal hero), has dedicated time this summer to supporting a great national Boston-based organization called AccesSportAmerica. This organization works to inspire higher function and fitness for children and adults of all disabilities through sports. Lilly and teammates from the Boston Breakers recently attended a clinic hosted by the organization at Harvard Stadium. Executive Director Ross Lilley commented on the impact of Lilly and her Boston teammates' efforts; "With world class athletes by their side, they begin to understand that their play is world-class as well. For what else might we say when a person living with autism can perform a scissors move under pressure or a youth with cerebral palsy in a walker can do a pull back move in a game?"
Members of the Boston Breakers and US captain Kristine Lilly work with children at a clinic hosted by AccesSportsAmerica
Whether it's global or local, soccer has the ability to promote a culture of service and put children in need at the focus of our conversations and efforts. Just as every child struggling with a disability should have the opportunity to lead an active life, so too should every child in rural Africa have the opportunity to attend school.
It's a tall order, no doubt, but I believe that we can build on the energy generated by the World Cup and continue to take action both locally and globally to help children thrive.
