Ceasefires and Cups

In 2006, Cote D'Ivoire [Africa], was embroiled in a vicious civil war. A world away the  Cote D'Ivoire mens football team, has just qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. A rare moment of joy for the people of this nation, who had been embroiled in this conflict for four years. Didier Drogba, the star striker of Chelsea Football Club and the Cote D'Ivoire team, then did something quite extraordinary.  A moment of selflessness that I am not sure any sportsman has ever done. According the British Newspaper, The Telegraph -

."..moments after leading his nation to the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany back in October 2005, Drogba picked up a microphone in the dressing room and, surrounded by his team-mates, fell to his knees live on national television. He begged both warring factions to lay down their arms and, within a week, his bold wish had been granted". 

The ceasefire lasted and full peace was negotiated in 2007. Football is powerful. Football is beautiful. In this, case football stopped a war.  A successful, and talented African athlete using all that he has to bring an end to a conflict.  Football gives Pilgrim Africa a gateway into the hearts and minds of young men in Uganda. To paraphrase [as in change one word!] Death Cab for Cutie, hope drips into their hearts through a pinhole. Football gives us a pinhole, and from there we can educate, empower, and transform lives. 

Consider giving a gift to our football program at Beacon of Hope School, Uganda. Donations go towards football equipment, and resources. Thank You. 

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