Soccer fun and excitement in Brazil has already begun. On Friday, capacity crowds enjoyed the opening ceremony of the Street Child World Cup at the Espaço Lonier in Rio. The ceremony began with a parade of nations to the Street Child World Cup’s official anthem for 2014. Titled “I Am Somebody,” it was written by London Elektricity, S.P.Y., and Diane Charlemagne. Part of the ceremony included reading messages of support, with Pope Francis’ imparting an Apolistic Blessing to all the participants “as a pledge of abundant graces.” Prince William’s message said the tournament “shines a spotlight on the 100 million children around the world living on the streets,” unites them in sport, and provides them a worldwide platform from which they can be heard. David Beckham’s message said he was looking forward to watching a tournament in which “street children from around the world will play and represent the millions of children who still live or work on our streets.” Match balls were presented to team captains by star soccer players Luis Boa Morte and Gilberto Silva. Music was provided by the Rio de Janiero British School Orchestra. Matches began on Sunday and will resume tomorrow.
via Street Child World Cup 2014 Began Friday in Brazil [Video].
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Altaf Hirani comments at the World Economic Forum on Africa, Dar es Salaam
Altaf Hirani, President – Tanzania Street Children’s Sports Academy, Patron – Tanzania Albino Society
Tanzania Street Children Academy in Mwanza
Ismailimail 
It is a privilege to participate in the SCWC 2014 as a supporter and sponsor for Team Tanzania, we reached the final this morning by thumping USA 6-1, The Street Children ARE SOMEBODY.
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