For the first time in Asia, Seoul has been chosen to host the 19th Homeless World Cup next year. (Image courtesy of Korea Football Love Sharing Foundation)
SEOUL, Dec. 20 (Korea Bizwire) – For the first time in Asia, Seoul has been chosen to host the 19th Homeless World Cup next year, as announced by the Korea Football Association’s Football Love and Sharing Foundation and Big Issue Korea on Tuesday.
The Homeless World Cup is a global soccer tournament involving participants from approximately 70 countries, all of whom have experienced homelessness. Its primary objective is to utilize soccer as a catalyst for transforming the lives of vulnerable individuals while fostering positive attitudes and awareness towards the challenge of housing poverty.
Scheduled for October of next year, this marks the first occasion that the World Cup for the Homeless will take place in Asia since its establishment in 2003. Hanyang University is currently under consideration as the venue, with the specific details, including the final venue and date, set to be determined next month.
Kim Ho-gon, director of the Korea Football Association’s Football Love and Sharing Foundation, expressed gratitude, stating, “This demonstrates the compassion of Seoulites for those in need. We are committed to diligently preparing for the Homeless World Cup in Seoul to make a positive impact on a global scale.”
Kim Soo-yeol, Director of Big Issue Korea, emphasized the event’s purpose, stating, “Through this initiative, we aim to raise awareness about housing poverty and garner social support for policy changes.”
Mel Young, Chairman and Co-Founder of the Homeless World Cup Foundation, conveyed excitement, stating, “Korea boasts a passionate soccer fan base and rich culture. We are thrilled to bring the tournament to Asia for the first time.”
To ensure the success of the tournament, the Korea Football Association’s Football Love and Sharing Foundation and Big Issue Korea will collaborate to establish the Seoul Homeless World Cup 2024 Organizing Committee, actively seeking sponsors, individual donors, and volunteers.
Interestingly, the Homeless World Cup was introduced to Korea through the film “Dream,” directed by Lee Byung-hun, released in April. The movie chronicles the true story of the Korean national team, comprised of Big Issue salesmen, who participated in the 2010 Homeless World Cup.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
