In the famous words of late South African icon Nelson Mandela: "Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sports can create hope, where there was once only despair."
Football is one of the most loved sport worldwide for different reasons, and it is also a sport that can be used as a tool to get a message across. One thing about football is that it's more than just a game – it's about unity, respect, love and compassion, among many other things.
It's always amazing when the beautiful game is used for a good purpose. Speaking of which, Fives Futbol and Totalsports have combined forces ahead of Nelson Mandela Day (Wednesday 18 July) to come up with Plant a Ball, an initiative that uses the gifting of soccer balls to kick-start growth.
Here is what Fives Futbol and Totalsports said about their vision of changing and making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate and their contribution towards the growth of Mzansi football in a press release:
"More than just a ball. Footballs breakdown barriers, form relationships, build character and inspire action. Fives and Totalsports partnered with over 20 beneficiaries nationwide that use football as a vehicle to achieve a variety of objectives. So far 300 balls have been planted and another 150 will be planted by Mandela Day," the press release read.
"The tour has passed by Soweto Artisans, a community project in Johannesburg that runs a soup kitchen, sporting activities and a library for children. It also passed by Diepsloot Combined School and Grassroots Soccer – an adolescent health organisation that leverages the power of soccer to educate, inspire and mobilise young people to lead healthier lives. Fives Futbol and Totalsports planted 72 balls across Grassroots' projects nationwide."
Click through the gallery above to see some pictures of this great initiative in action!
Supporters Club fully supports this initiative, and we applaud Fives Futbol and Totalsports for coming together and using the beautiful language of football for such a great cause.
We encourage our members to be part of this initiative and help make a difference in the lives of others.
Click here to donate a ball to the cause and support a local initiative. Supporting is free and you can recast your support every day until 18 July (Mandela Day). The projects with the most support will receive the most balls.
Each ball "planted" represents an opportunity for change with immeasurable and unlimited potential.
What do you think of this incredible initiative?
