Former Mexico international Omar Mendiburu has thrown his support behind Homeless World Cup national partner Street Soccer Mexico.
Omar Mendiburu
Former Mexico international Mendiburu enjoyed an illustrious playing career, representing Cruz Azul, Puebla and Tigres de México and twice winning the Mexican National Championship.
Mendiburu is keen to contribute his knowledge and passion for football into Street Soccer Mexico and will assist with the selection of the players to represent Mexico at the Mexico 2012 Homeless World Cup.
He said: “It’s very important to combine social work with football and Street Soccer Mexico gives a chance to young people that had little hope in their lives.”
Mendiburu is currently employed as a Technical Director by the Mexican Football Federation and he will train players and coaches through Street Soccer Mexico, hoping to introduce some of the most talented players to professional clubs.
He said: “Football is more than a simple sport; it’s a way of life. It teaches you about teamwork, how to be a leader, how to give the best effort into what you do. We want people to know that playing football improves health, can help to overcome addictions and play a large part in leading a better life.”
“I am so happy to be involved in Street Soccer Mexico and the Homeless World Cup. I will do my best because I really like what we have the chance to achieve.”
Story by Tasha Ivanchenko. Video and photos by Viktoriya Mashoshyna and Brandon Ermacora
Mohawk College Event Management students and Hamilton SportsXpress magazine teamed up recently to give back to the community. Melissa, Tasha, Lindsey and Amanda were given the opportunity to facilitate, plan and execute a sporting event of their choosing. On March 31st, the Mohawk team held the first Corporate Cup – Kicks for a Cause, a charity soccer tournament in support of Street Soccer Canada, at Goal’s Indoor Sports Club in Waterdown.
Street Soccer Canada (SSC) is a national organization that aims to engage and connect those affected by homelessness and poverty. By using the positive power of sport, SSC enriches and enhances lives by making unattainable experiences possible. Each year the organization selects a different team of individuals to represent Canada in the Homeless World Cup. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reach out to those who would otherwise never be able to experience the world stage. This year’s Homeless World Cup is taking place in Mexico City and the funds raised at the Corporate Cup are being used to assist the SSC team with its travel expenses.
The Corporate Cup event was an exciting day for all participants. For a fee of $300 per team of eight, participants were given the opportunity for a shot at winning the title. To inspire some healthy competition, organizers required all teams to represent a country in The World Cup themed event. Special guest and street soccer spokesperson, Olympian Kara Lang, was in attendance to stress the importance of events like the Corporate Cup. Food and beverages, t-shirts, OLG mugs and an after-party admission at Bo’s Sports Bar, were all included in the registration fee. Other initiatives to support the cause included pledges, a raffle, and various games as well as in- kind donations.
Overall the event was a success with team Argentina taking home the cup and SSC (Mexico) finishing a close second. All teams were provided with the opportunity to not only partake in the exciting tournament but to actually meet the people they were supporting. Everyone in attendance gained insight into the positive power of sport and had a fun and exciting day.
The Mohawk College team would like to thank Hamilton SportsXpress for providing us with this opportunity. We would also like to thank Street Soccer Canada for their involvement and support during the planning and facilitating of the tournament.
We would like to thank our major sponsors for the day: Inaria, Semtech, Lassonde, John Pellizari at United Trophy, Mark and Carol Cruden at the Midland McDonald’s, Decy and Steve Robillard with the Georgian Queen, The King’s Wharf Theatre, Midland Comfort Inn, Waterdown Walmart, OLG, Inn on the Twenty, Hamilton Tiger Cats, and Oakville Executive Golf Club.
We would also like to thank the people and businesses for their donations to our event: Thirsty Cactus, No Frills, Famous Players Burlington, Absolute Soccer, United Mobile, Epicure, Fortinos, Sobeys, Metro, Ann Coultrup, The Noonan Family, White Oak’s Golf Club, Art Gallery of Hamilton, Royal Botanical Gardens, and Aberfoyle Mill.
We cannot express our gratitude enough to our volunteers who helped make our event possible.
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