|
 CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) - Nearly 500 drug addicts, alcoholics, orphans and vagrants kicked off the Homeless World Cup soccer tournament Sunday, opening a weeklong event aimed at helping society's most marginalized make a new start in life.
South African President Thabo Mbeki and thousands of spectators gathered in central Cape Town to salute a parade of flag-waving teams from 48 nations as diverse as Afghanistan, Australia, Britain, Sweden, the United States, Liberia and Zimbabwe.
"We really can help change the world, end poverty and homelessness," said organizer Mel Young. "All we have to do is take a little round ball and start kicking it around."
|
|