We received this letter from Grassroot Soccer a Laureus funded project and would like to share this with you.
To get a better understanding what GRS is all about watch the videos and if you want to get involved go to this site.
Dear Grassroot Soccer Friends, Family, and Supporters,
As the global soccer community returns home and the din of the vuvuzelas begins to fade, GRS can see the success of our efforts to leverage the World Cup in the fight against HIV in Africa. In the last month, GRS empowered over 4,500 young South African Skillz Holiday program graduates with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to live HIV free, and provided nearly 15,000 young people with the once in a lifetime opportunity to attend a World Cup match. With the eyes of the world on South Africa, GRS had the unique opportunity to share our work with a global audience, from footage of GRS’ Football For Hope Centre aired at every World Cup match, to coverage by ESPN, USA Today, and Vanity Fair, to an inspiring list of visitors including Queen Sofia of Spain, basketball star Kobe Bryant, and comedian Drew Carey.
Making the most of the 2010 World Cup has been one of GRS’ goals since South Africa was named the host country in May 2004 and we could not have done it without your support. GRS is thrilled by our contribution towards reversing the spread of HIV in Africa, which continues to infect 7,400 people every day throughout the world.
Last week, we heard some encouraging news. UNAIDS released a report showing that HIV prevalence is declining amongst young people in Africa. We are finally starting to win this fight. Yet this is only the beginning, as GRS works to translate the momentum gained during the 2010 World Cup into action, with the goal of educating 1 million youth by the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. We look forward to you joining us in this journey.
With sincere gratitude for your commitment and ongoing support,
Dr. Tommy Clark, Kirk Friedrich, Methembe Ndlovu & Ethan Zohn
GRS Co-Founders
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
S’bongiseni Vilakazi at the Laureus Sport for Good summit in South Africa
Hey
here’s S’bongiseni Vilakazi (Managing Director PeacePlayers International – South Africa)
Just thought I’d tell you that the workshop so far has been AWESOME!
Tony Hawk visits Indigo Skate Camp
Laureus World Sports Academy Member skateboard legend Tony Hawk has presented a brand new portable Half-Pipe to the Indigo Youth Movement in Isithumba, a country village near Durban.
