Grassroot Soccer has provided over 14,500 children and young adults with an unforgettable experience of a lifetime– the opportunity to attend a 2010 FIFA World Cup match.
Through a partnership with Sony, an official World Cup Sponsor, GRS received 15,000 tickets, which were distributed to graduates of GRS’ Skillz Holiday programs and 59 partner organizations across the country. The guiding principle of the Sony Ticket Fund is that tickets must be earned, rather than bought, and by demonstrating leadership in the fight against HIV, youth earned a place in the first World Cup played on African soil.
Flag BearersThe Sony Ticket Fund also provided 25 Skillz graduates with the opportunity to serve as Official Flag-Bearers, carrying the FIFA flag onto the field during match openings in their home cities. Selected by GRS Coaches during Skillz Holiday programs, these youth are role models in their communities. Silumgile, of Khayelitsha, is one such role model.
For more stories and videos about Grassroot Soccer’s impact during the 2010 World Cup, visit the GRS WORLD CUP BLOG! www.grassrootsoccer.org
