Tutu Tells World To Unite Against Homelessness
Archbishop
Emeritus Desmond Tutu made a colourful appearance at the Homeless World Cup
today where he announced the legacy that would be left in Cape Town and South
Africa after the games are over.
Greeted by cheering crowds and
vuvuzelas, Tutu welcomed the different nations competing in the tournament and
told them that discrimination against the homeless had to end.
'All over
the world, I want to say, we've got to end homelessness. Everyone should have a
home; it's a right and not a privilege,' Tutu told the crowd.
'People
treat the homeless as if they're sub-human. In order to overcome this
discrimination, we have to unite against homelessness as we did when we fought
apartheid,' said Tutu,
Tutu said that although he wished he could be
nicer and tell all the teams he hoped they would win, he could not.
'I
want South Africa to win. I like you Nigeria. I like you Zambia. But the cup
must stay here in South Africa. I wish I could be nice, but no,' Tutu told the
teams.
Mel Young, co-founder and president of the Homeless World Cup,
said it was the policy of the organisers to leave behind a legacy in every
country in which the tournament is played.
Tutu announced
that not only would a national street soccer league continue to operate
throughout South Africa, and the pitches being used during the competition be
donated to the league, but that a football factory would be created to provide
20 people - with permanent jobs.
The Football Factory will be set up by
the Homeless World Cup local organising committee with the Alive and Kicking
project.
Corporate responsibility director for Nike Europe, Middle East
and Africa, Maria Bobenrieth, said that it was 'with honour' that Nike supported
the Homeless World Cup in leaving this legacy in Cape Town.
'A football
factory and a national street soccer league will continue to positively
influence lives in South Africa,' she said.
Tutu, who is turning 75 on
October 7 but hosting a birthday party tonight, was delighted when the crowd
sang Happy Birthday to him, accompanied by drums and the chorus of vuvuzelas.
Bouncing the football, and kicking at goal, Tutu told the teams they
were 'very special people' before taking his time to meet fans and pose for
photographs.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Christine
Skinner
082 855 7277
or the media centre on
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