The FIFA World Cup tournament begins next June 11th in South Africa. The opening match is between Mexico and South Africa. It’s fair to say that most New Rochelleans will be watching, specially in the West End of New Rochelle, where the largest contingent of Mejicanos live – all fanatical supporters of El Tri. Unlike any other World Cup, you will be able to watch the games on Univision, Telefutura, ESPN, even ABC and perhaps FOX.
The World Cup offers the greatest alternative to resolving any global conflict. It is well known that even two countries resolved their bitter territorial conflict by playing a game and having the greatest player ever, Pele serve as intermediary. Unlike baseball’s World Series and American football’s Super Bowl, soccer’s World Cup is global and engages all people in a moment of nirvana watching a match and waiting for the play by play announcer to scream the magical words of Goooooollll or Golazo. I remember as a child in 1969 taking three buses from my home town all the way to the airport near Lima, Peru to await Peru’s national team return after defeating Argentina in the qualifier for the 1970 Mexico World Cup and to see my hero Teofilo “Nene” Cubillas wave at me (and my grandfather). It was magical.
So take a moment from June 11th and for the next 30 days to enjoy some good soccer. See the greatest athletes in the world compete for a very small trophy (made of solid real gold). Support your local soccer league here – New Rochelle FC, White Plains Elite Soccer or any other town. Demand from your city and school officials that fields are made available for the fair play of this wonderful sport and for good exercise (what better way to fight childhood obesity). All you need is a soccer ball and a pair of cleats. Support the boys and girls who work very hard so that perhaps someday they are playing for the USA or another country. Support Fair Play!
I like your point on the
I like your point on the unavailability of fields.