Jose Costa and Johnathon Murillo of the Los Woodsiders pose with a 2010 World Cup ball during a Score a goal for an AIDS-free generation send-off ceremony. Photo Credit: SAAI

Soccer News: New York Soccer Players Send 2010 World Cup Match Ball to Equatorial Guinea

Jose Costa and Johnathon Murillo of the Los Woodsiders took a break during their game on Sunday, August 19, for a Score a goal for an AIDS-free generation send-off ceremony. As part of an ongoing campaign coordinated by South African Arts International, Ltd. (USA), the Republic of Equatorial Guinea is being recognized for their efforts in coordinating public outreach efforts to improve public awareness of discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS and prevention initiatives.

"Soccer is the best medium to reach people worldwide, especially the youth. If we are going to achieve an AIDS-free generation, they must be part of the equation", said Victor Mooney, executive director and founder of South African Arts International, Ltd.

The award is designed to coincide with the 9th Sullivan Summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, which runs from August 20 to 24. The Summit will be attended by Presidents and Heads of State of Africa, International Organizations and NGO's from around the globe, International Celebrities and Music Artists. According to the organization’s website, the Sullivan Summit is a biennial event held in Africa to “promote open dialog and ground-up communications between the people of Africa, local and international organizations and government institutions.”

The Sullivan Summit is sponsored by the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation, which “empowers underprivileged people worldwide by promoting the principles of self-help and social responsibility” (Sullivan Foundation website). The organization’s goals include bringing together corporate and government communities to benefit all people economically, particularly in Africa.

The score a goal for an AIDS-free generation has already been brought to Miami, Florida, Washington, DC, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York City. The campaign will now travel internationally and conclude during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The soccer balls were donated by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to South African Arts International, Ltd. (USA).

Previous awardees have been the Sands Casino - Resort Bethlehem, Historic Bethlehem Hotel and the Republic of Angola in celebration of The United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) ten year anniversary.  Mr. Paul Evanson, PEPFAR Coordinator at U.S. Embassy Luanda, Angola, is slated to host an event for the soccer ball later this year.

About South African Arts International, Ltd. (SAAI): The mission of New York-based SAAI is to promote multimedia events in venues all over the world; to exhibit the works of artist, artisans, musicians, scholars and professionals; to facilitate worldwide cultural understanding; disseminate and exchange international art and culture; to provide scholarships, sponsor cultural events and artistic seminars; to increase awareness of global pandemic of HIV/AIDS.

On the net: www.goreechallenge.com