The Ball — football’s equivalent to the Olympic Torch — has spent a week in Singapore on its way to Auckland, in time for the opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on July 20.
The project — which aims to raise awareness of climate change and gender equality — heads to Malaysia for a week, followed by a tour of Indonesia.
New Zealand activities
The Ball’s project team will be in New Zealand for a month and are keen to hear from groups, clubs or organisations who would be interested in hosting an event.
Click here to make contact with the project team >>>>
Here’s the project team’s diary for their latest travels …
Singapore
Since its arrival on April 29, The Ball has collected signatures and pledges from people in Singapore, such as pictured here in the Marina Parade food court.
The Ball was taken to the Ministry of Education Language Centre (MOELC) in Bishan for a workshop with students on the topics of fair play, sustainability and gender equality supported by the local Goethe Institute.
As this group of students was studying German, the workshop was conducted in German. On other days, The Ball was taken to meet other athletes and environmentalists.
Subbing of The Ball carriers
Having carried The Ball through four countries, the project team has farewelled some members in Singapore.
Joaquin heads back to Germany to continue his local project work for Spirit of Football, while Sophia also returns to Germany and has handed over to Irish. Valeree has stayed in the Phillipines.
Lead-carrier Andrew will continue the journey through Malaysia, Indonesia, the Pacific and then to New Zealand.
Main photo (from left): Joaquin, Andrew, Sophia and Valeree with The Ball.
The Ball
As The Ball travels around the world, it gathers signatures of individuals who pledge support to advance gender equality and climate action.
Since 2002, more than 56,000 people in 56 countries have signed The Ball.
From 2022 to 2023, 57 partner organizations have organized more than 30 events and workshops that have encouraged action on climate change and gender equality amongst football enthusiasts.
Where it all started
The first person to sign The Ball on its 12-month global climate action and advocacy mission was Football Fern Katie Rood, who plays for Hearts in Scotland, and who kicked off The Ball’s journey in London.
“Everyone loves the World Cup, but if we are to be able to continue playing it in the future, we need collective and urgent climate action. The journey of The Ball across land and sea from London to New Zealand is an opportunity for football to get its environmental act in order. I am going to take action. Are you?”
Spirit of Football’s Ambassador and Liverpool FC manager Jürgen Klopp is also supporting The Ball: “It is a ball for us all. Be part of our team. Everyone can play. Respect your teammates, your opponents and the environment. One Ball, One World.”
How you can help
Do you want to be involved in the project? Follow The Ball’s journey and make your own pledge.
Find out more about the non-profit organization Spirit of Football here >>>
Learn more
READ MORE: Our past stories about The Ball >>>>
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