The 2010 World Cup has focused the world's attention on more than simply football. The re-birth of a nation and the massive changes that have gone on in South Africa over the past decade have been nothing short of amazing. The images and stories of the African people in their struggle against apartheid have been broadcast around the world. Numerous rebuilding projects now in place in South Africa are not only of a structural nature, but also social and economic and many of these projects utilise sport, especially football, as a means of promoting change.
Countries around the world also played their part in the fight against apartheid and continue to promote racial harmony and equality. One country that is keen and proud to highlight the part that it played in the removal of the apartheid system is Italy. An exhibition titled "The Italian contribution in the struggle against Apartheid" is to be delivered this week to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
To mark the occasion, the Benny Nato Centre and UISP (Italian Sport for All) in collaboration with the Apartheid Museum are presenting the 'Nelson Mandela - Sport and Solidarity Award - 2010 edition'. Sheffield FC, the 'World's First Football Club' and its charity 'Boots for Africa' have been put forward as one of the nominations for the award.
Club Chairman Richard Tims is flying from Cape Town to Johannesburg today to be present at the ceremony, which takes place on Tuesday 22nd June at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
Richard, in Africa at the moment with the Boots for Africa charity to deliver 5000 pairs of football boots to FIFA's Legacy Centres, said, "To be nominated for such a prestigious award is quite humbling. As the 'World's First Football Club', we felt it right that we played a small part in helping to rebuild this great continent. Sport, in particular football, is a fantastic vehicle to deliver programmes that promote hope, enjoyment, belief and confidence. We look forward to continuing this legacy for years to come."
