Homeless World Cup kicks off in Melbourne
Posted on 01/12/2008
By Tiffany Pilcher
THE 2008 Homeless World Cup kicked off today with a colourful parade through the streets of Melbourne.
Starting at Exhibition Street and winding through Collins Street and Swanston Street to end up at Federation Square, players from all 48 countries were dancing, singing and waving, with spectators cheering them on as they passed. From the beaming smiles on the players’ faces it was plain to see the enormous amount of pride among the teams.
One of the players for East Timor, 22-year- old Acacio Maia, said the parade was a great opening to an exciting event. Acacio is no stranger to hardship - at 12 he was forced to sell cigarettes to support his family and education. He has worked hard to represent his country at the competition and says that the Homeless World Cup will give his life meaning.
After the parade, the teams were introduced to Melbourne in an energetic opening ceremony that included Australian contemporary and indigenous performers, spray paint artists, dancing school children and much more. The ceremony had a lively atmosphere, with the audience and players alike in high spirits, dancing and swaying to the music.
Jamie Bell from Ireland said his team was particularly enjoying the festivities. He described the ceremony as “brilliant” and said that to be able to enjoy the experience while clean and sober was electric. Jamie has not touched drugs or alcohol for four years, and believes it is important to introduce others in similar situations to him to the game to help turn their lives around.
Jamie has made a huge sacrifice to be at the HWC, he’s missing his 29th birthday, and leaving his newborn baby girl over the other side of the world.
As for the competition, Jamie says the Irish team “don’t hold back”, declaring that he believes that they will win. He said winning the Homeless World Cup would be the next best thing to becoming a father, and that they have some secret moves to make sure they come out on top.
For more details on the opening day’s activities, check out the event calendar and the daily match schedule.
Photos: Photoworx
