Hary’s Whistle of Hope: Celebrating nine inspiring winners from Oslo 2025
Hary Milas was a long-term supporter and volunteer at the Homeless World Cup Foundation, bringing love and compassion to the tournament year in and year out
Credit: Anita Milas
Every year at the Homeless World Cup, remarkable moments unfold on and off the pitch, moments of courage, fairness, kindness, leadership and transformation. Some of these moments shine so brightly that they deserve to be recognised.
That is why Hary’s Whistle of Hope exists.
The Whistle of Hope initiative was created by long-time referee, volunteer and Homeless World Cup friend Hary Milas, who sadly passed away in 2021.
Hary believed deeply in the power of football to restore dignity, create community and open new pathways for people experiencing homelessness. He carried this belief into every Homeless World Cup tournament he refereed and introduced the Whistle of Hope so players could be seen in a world where they often haven’t been.
Hary created the Whistle of Hope to recognise:
Players who demonstrate extraordinary sportsmanship, fairness and spirit.
Individuals who go above and beyond to support people affected by homelessness.
Moments where football becomes a vehicle for healing, belonging and hope.
This year, nine deserving winners from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland, Scotland and Vietnam received Hary’s Whistle of Hope at the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup:
1. Lesley “Tommy” Thompson (Australia)
Awarded for: unwavering sportsmanship and for lifting spirits. Tommy’s respect for opponents made him a standout example of what Hary’s Whistle of Hope represents.
2. Maria Costa (Brazil)
Awarded for:showing real determination and focus, giving everything on the pitch.
3. Keila Pinheiro (Brazil)
Awarded for: bringing incredible energy always smiling and lifting her team.
4. Emma Bellante (Canada)
Awarded for: showing real moments of fair play and an understanding of other players’ needs. Supporting both her own teammates and players from other nations.
5. May Nakintu (Canada)
| Nông Thị Hồng Nhung with her Whistle of Hope
Awarded for:exceptional resilience and kindness. May was recognised for her respectful play and for helping create bridges between teams.
6. Ashley Fraser (Canada Coach)
Awarded for: embodying team unity and compassion. Ashley spent time encouraging players from multiple nations and support to anyone struggling - on or off the pitch.
7. Katriina Kotilo (Finland)
Awarded for: her leadership and emotional courage.
8. William Milne (Scotland)
Awarded for: outstanding respect toward referees and opponents.
9. Nông Thị Hồng Nhung – Vietnam
Awarded for: exemplary fair play and courage.
On receiving the award, Nông Thị Hồng Nhung said: "I can’t believe I’ve actually received the 'Whistle of Hope’. I feel incredibly happy and proud. Receiving the whistle is a huge motivation for me to keep pushing forward. I’ll use this whistle as a reminder whenever I face challenges: 'Keep going, you have the Whistle of Hope with you!'
I’m excited to inspire my friends at school by sharing the story of how I won this award, along with some study tips. I also want to use it as a gift to encourage younger students. This whistle will always remind me: I can do it!"
A Legacy Continued
Hary’s wife, Anita Milas, who is also a volunteer and Head of Photography at our tournaments, now lovingly carries this tradition forward with the support from the Homeless World Cup Foundation and our Referee volunteer team at every tournament.
This year, due to logistical delays, the whistles unfortunately did not arrive in Oslo in time for the 2025 presentation. Anita is now kindly sending each whistle directly to the winners in their home countries, ensuring they still receive this recognition in the meaningful way Hary intended.
Anita commented on the impact of this tradition:
“Hary created the Whistle of Hope to lift up people who shine, the players and volunteers who show heart, fairness and humanity when the world isn’t always kind to them. To see his legacy continue like this means more than I can say.
“These whistles honour not only the winners, but the spirit Hary brought to every tournament. I’m delighted to send them to such deserving recipients this year.”
Why the Whistle of Hope matters
Referees at the Homeless World Cup, including Hary himself, are volunteers. They travel across the world purely because they believe in the movement and the people it exists for. The Whistle of Hope acknowledges those same values in players and individuals across our global network.
“Hary embodied everything that makes the Homeless World Cup so special. The Whistle of Hope keeps his legacy alive and gives our referees the confidence to champion fairness, dignity and respect.
“We’re proud to honour Hary’s memory through this award and through the incredible people who receive it.”
Matthew Williams, PR and Marketing Manager, Homeless World Cup Foundation