Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 14, 2010
Eight Cambodian children from remote villages of Battambang province were selected by Spirit of Soccer and the Cambodian Football Federation to compete in the Football for Hope Festival 2010 in South Africa, an official event of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The festival featured a mini-World Cup tournament and cultural exchange in Johannesburg that brought together 32 delegations representing 50 countries from around the world.
Team Cambodia wins FIFA Fair Play Award
Grassroot Soccer at the Football for Hope Festival 2010
It’s a Saturday at Leresche Primary School in Soweto, South Africa’s largest township just outside of Johannesburg. Four groups of boys and girls stretch and jostle for position, desperately trying to get hold of the ball in play. They jump up with hands reaching to the sky, repeatedly calling “Coach! Coach!” in hopes of receiving a pass. Finally, a young girl gains the attention of the coach and the ball bounces her way. She gathers it as the rest of circle falls quiet. She stands up proudly and tells everyone why she thinks that 18 is the right age for a young person to start having sex.
Dear Laureus,
We are happy and proud to tell you that, with all your support, we have managed to raise the funds to participate in the Football for Hope Festival in South Africa from June 28 – July 11, 2010. On behalf of whole MTG and especially the boys and girls and the leaders who have been selected to represent MTG in Johannesburg we would like to thank you very much.
Simba Ropa Parade
