Do some yoga, help fight HIV.

Good news recently from the soccer world.

In South Africa, our national team advanced on a 3-0 win over Egypt, edging Italy for second place in the group. They are currently playing in the Confederations Cup, which is sort of a "dress rehearsal" for the World Cup next summer. We now play Spain in the semifinals Wednesday 2:25et.



It's great to see our national team come through with a big win, especially after some tough losses against Brazil and Italy, two historically great teams. So check it out Wednesday afternoon and cheer our boys on to victory against Spain, THE TOP RANKED TEAM in the world!

Fundraising is going very well. The total amount raised has now reached $5000. Ole!

The next big event scheduled is a yoga event THIS FRIDAY 7-9 at DCPC. To attend, all you have to do is make a donation of any amount right through this website, and you're free to come. Come on out for some good yoga, loosen up those hips, work out the kinks, relax. Afterward, make the two minute walk over to Summit Coffee for a drink or two. A special thanks to Kelley, who will be leading the yoga session, for making this happen.

The poll closed recently, and it looks like readers have some knowledge of soccer, because, yes, of course, it's Pele in the picture. We will forget that three people think it's Alexi Lalas, two people think it's Lebron, and one person voted for "some French guy." Now you can vote on the new poll located to the right.

And don't forget, head on out to Brixx pizza Uptown OR at Birkdale for a "Golden Goal" pie. The rumor around town is that Golden Goal pizzas make you jump higher, run faster, and perform better on standardized tests, and studies have shown they help our national team win more games.

North Mecklenburg Rotary supports Grassroot Soccer

A big thank you goes out to the Rotary Club of North Mecklenburg for choosing to support Grassroot Soccer with a generous donation.

A couple of years back, my more studly and artistic brother Tate received support from the Rotary Club while studying abroad. As a wee lad, I didn't really understand what it was at the time. This summer, however, I have learned more about Rotary and gained much respect for what the organization does.

The philosophy of the Rotary Club is based on "the four-way test", a simple guide to making good decisions.

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Using these principles, the Rotary Club works to improve international goodwill, understanding and peace, its members united in the ideal of service.

A fine organization, and I'm proud to be able to receive their support.

Brixx Pizza, anyone?

Starting TODAY, June 1, Brixx Pizza uptown has a great new pizza called the "Golden Goal" pizza.

Let me tell you a little about this pizza, and how delicious it is.

The sauce is a creamy combination of tomato and alfredo sauce. It's a slight twist on the "vodka sauce" you see in pastas, and we've found that it goes well with a pizza too. Top that with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and you've got yourself a decent pie already. But oh no, it doesn't stop there. It's your choice now of either a little roasted chicken or bacon (or leave them off if you're not a meat person, Brixx won't mind). Add the Brixx style caramelized onions, and sprinkle a bit of fresh rosemary on top, and you've got yourself a pizza.

But that's not all. The greatest thing about the "Golden Goal" pizza is that every time you order one, Brixx is donating $3 to Grassroot Soccer! An extremely generous deal, and a fun way to raise money. So go get some "Golden Goal" pizzas, and help make a difference!

A thank you to Brixx Pizza for their generosity and general awesomeness in the restaurant world. Not only do they have great pizzas, but they feature a fine selection of beer, and have a great environment for family outings and later-night festivities. They also have a good number TVs, making it a great place to set up shop for sporting events, too. Thanks Brixx!

Girls win Friendlies at University City!

The Charlotte Junior Soccer League had a fine showing at Mallard Creek Park this weekend! Drawing from a pool of U-10 girls playing in a recreational league, we put together two All-Star teams that dominated play on Saturday and Sunday. Both teams earned a spot in the finals, and they battled it out to a 4-3 finish.

A great weekend of soccer for everyone involved.

A special thank you to all of the parents, who have kindly donated the entry fees to the tournament to Grassroot Soccer!

Extra extra read all about it!

Check it out:



A big thank you to the Charlotte Observer and Joe Marusak for their help.

While looking for organizations that might kindly give me their money, I came across this site:

http://www.ansafrica.org
(ANSA: Artists For A New South Africa)

I only wish my blog looked that cool. Especially interesting is the tracker on the top right that counts the number of new people infected with HIV while you browse.

In other fundraising news, a special thank you to the Charlotte Juniors League for offering to donate a portion of their entry fees for a local tournament to Grassroot Soccer.

Did you know...

If HIV prevalence determined territory size, the world would look like this:



Get the facts!
The HIV/AIDS pandemic has become arguably the worst public health crisis in human history. UNAIDS (2008) reports:

* Worldwide, 33 million men, women, and children are infected with HIV.
* 45% of all new infections occur among 15-24 year-olds.
* Less than 40% of young people have comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge.
* 67% of people living with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa.

Get yo popcorn!

Welcome, and thanks for taking a moment to learn about Grassroot Soccer, an organization that uses the power of soccer in the fight against HIV and AIDS. I've committed the next year of my life to working for this organization. This means in August, I'm putting some career plans on hold and moving to Africa.

This organization has had a significant impact on African youth in the past, and with the World Cup in South Africa next summer, Grassroot Soccer has a unique opportunity to make an even greater impact.

But enough from me. See if you can get the quiz question on the right side of the page, then sit back and enjoy this short video. If you're at work, put on some headphones. If you're at home, turn up the volume. Get yo popcorn, cuz there's gonna be a show!

If you would like to help support this cause, please don't hesitate to donate. You can do it right here on the blog. You just need a credit card. Click on the "donate" button above, and follow the directions. It's secure, fast, and easy, and a great way to help an effective, worthwhile cause. I need to raise $10000 this summer in order to make the trip!

This blog will provide information on fundraising activities for anyone interested. Once I'm in Africa, I'll keep updating all the way through WC 2010 next summer.

Just a reminder, they have lions in Africa: