Homeless World Cup set for Rio, Paris and Poznan over next three years
Last updated 08/06/2009 17:45:57
Homeless World Cup 2010 host Rio
The fabulous city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil has been confirmed as the host city for the 2010 Homeless World Cup.
The hugely successful international football tournament which energises homeless people to change their lives is heading for Copacabana beach, the official venue uniting nations from all five continents as players demonstrate to the world the power of football to change lives in September next year.
It doesn't end there for Rio will hand over to Paris, France in 2011, with a venue adjacent to the Eiffel Tower, while Poznan is a surprise announcement as the winner of the 2013 Homeless World Cup.
The international organizers are currently exploring the opportunity to host the 2012 Homeless World Cup in Asia.
Mel Young, President, Homeless World Cup, said: "Rio is the perfect location to host the 2010 Homeless World Cup. Brazil is the home of football with many of its star players rising from the streets of Brazil to the global football stage. With the infrastructure created to host the world's greatest sporting events and government and businesses committed to using football for real, lasting social change, we are impressed by the impact the Homeless World Cup will generate for Rio, Brazil and the rest of the world.
"We are excited to see the Homeless World Cup, and its impact, travel from Milan in 2009 to Rio in 2010 and then Paris, with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop in 2011. This is an incredible journey for the Homeless World Cup that will clearly demonstrate football is changing the world."
Rio has exceptional experience in great and large sports events and benefits from the infrastructure present from recently hosting the Pan American Games and Parapan American Rio 2007 and the FIFA Futsal World Cup in 2008. The city is one of the venues of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and is a candidate to host the Olympic Games in 2016.
Julio Filgueira, National Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Brazil said: "It will be an honour receiving countries from all over the world for this great event in Brazil. Certainly the Homeless World Cup will be a great opportunity to touch the society about important aspects related to people living under vulnerability and social exclusion, besides demonstrating how sports can be a powerful tool in the process of formation and social inclusion."
Paris, in a bidding collaboration with Collectif "Remise en Jeu" Credit Agricole, Sodexho, Paris Saint-Germain, Federation Francaise de Football, Mayor of Paris and the Secretariat of State for Youth and Sport, demonstrated an impressive legacy to ensure football is made available to all people who are homeless across France via the 2011 Homeless World Cup.
Emmanuel Petit, supporter of the Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup bid, played for Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea and France is delighted to learn of the win adding: "Football is a passport to life. If you are rich or poor football, does not differentiate. Through the difficulties of life, because of football, you can know who you are and be equal."
Poznan 2013 is a surprise announcement. The successful bid was awarded after Poznan City Council, Homeless World Cup Team Poland and Agencja Pracy OTTO placed a bid to host the 2011 international tournament. Impressed by the commitment, spirit and investment made by the Local Organising Committee the Homeless World Cup proposed the city is the host for 2013 tournament.
Founded by social entrepreneur Mel Young, the Homeless World Cup is supported by Nike, Vodafone Foundation, UEFA, Global Ambassador Eric Cantona and international footballers Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand. It has triggered and supports grass roots football programmes in over 70 nations engaging over 100,000 players since the beginning. Over 70% change their lives coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into jobs, homes, education, becoming football coaches, players and social entrepreneurs.
The Seventh Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup will be held from 6-13 September at the Arena Civica, Sempione Park uniting 48 nations, 500 players for true grit spirit and glory.
A ball can change the world.
More articles on the Homeless World Cup here