In 1950 Brazil hosted the World Cup. They lost in the final to Uruguay. It was a national moment of collective despair on an unimaginable level. A 9 year old boy stood by his father as he cried after such a loss, he told his father "One day, I’ll win you the World Cup!" His name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento. In 1958, as a 17 year old, he helped Brazil win the World Cup. Edson, is better known as Pele, who would go on to score over 1,000 career goals, and win three World Cups. He delivered on his promise to his father and then some! That is the kind of potential that a 9 year old can hold, when they are motivated, and talented.
We have begun a campaign at Pilgrim Africa to raise money for our students who also love football. There may not be a Pele in this class, but there is young men who will become great professionals, who will work to transform their nation. Football is a moment of pure joy for them, it teaches them about team work, hard work, strategic thinking, how to win and loose graciously, and through it they will form life long friendships. This class of boys may have the Pele of math, or engineering, or science! Like Pele these boys come from poverty, but that wont stop them!
As you watch the World Cup please consider giving back to the sport that is bringing you so much joy!
Give a donation to the Pass it Forward Campaign by clicking here today.
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