56 nations: one goal
Sports-obsessed Melbourne might have hosted an Olympics, a Commonwealth Games, the Australian Open, the Melbourne Cup, reams of test matches, AFL Grand Finals, etc, etc, but the tournament that's about to reach its climax amidst the crazy paving buildings of Federation Square may be among its most inspiring.
It's a hard-fought contest for people who have lived hard-fought lives: the Homeless World Cup. Every single player taking part has been homeless at some stage over the past two years.
You can hear from the founder of the event, Mel Young, below, and you can get more information here.
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It's the sixth time the event has been held, and this is the biggest competition. It brings together 56 nations, and has thrown up some wonderfully improbable fixtures.
When I paid a visit this week, the temporary stands were packed to see Zimbabwe take on Afghanistan.
Remarkably, over three-quarters of the players end up improving their lives as a result of their participation in the tournament. That may mean getting off booze or drugs, finding a job or a permanent home, and repairing broken relationships.
The story of Stephen Docherty from Glasgow is not untypical. He was a drug addict and dealer in Class A narcotics, who spent time in prison. Now he is the captain of Scotland, the number one ranked side.
"I'm used to people crossing people the streets away from me, and treating me like cancer," he told me in between games.
"Now people are welcoming me with open arms, treating me with respect, treating me like a captain. It's unbelievable when I think what I've come from to where I am today. It's beyond my wildest dreams. But back then, getting a day clean was beyond my wildest dreams."
Sport has always had the power to elevate the human spirit. In Melbourne this past week, it's helping to lift people off the streets.
That, as they say, is a result.
I'm 
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~39~RS~)
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I think this is a stupendus idea!
go get em!
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The triumph of the human spirit, over adversity, is seldom celebrated with such verve as in Australia.
I was in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago - the spring sunshine & showers were certainly more inviting than now, being back in the UK. Melbourne lifted my spirits: so no wonder an Scottish ex-homeless, ex-drug dealer feels better whilst there.
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I actually wanted to comment on an article you wrote...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7769028.stm
Sydney art fuses surf with Islam
Last time I checked CASULA was in SYDNEY and not near Sydney. For someone who is the Sydney correspondent you don't seem to know much about Sydney.
Prehaps you need to get out of the eastern suburbs of Sydney and head west so you get a greater understanding of Sydney.
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A bit harsh that gemdilem. A look at the map would show that Casula is some distance from the centre of Sydney and I guess most people reading the blog of the Australia correspondent of a UK based broadcast corporation would understand 'in Sydney' to mean near the centre.
As to the current article - the homeless world cup is a worthy event to report on, especially at this time of year but how about a bit more reportage on homlessness in Australia?
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Billy_Blighty, I can understand North Americans thinking Casula is not "in Sydney" - they have particular ideas about where cities end. But I can't see a British blog saying that Uxbridge is "near London", so why should they do a similar thing for Sydney?
That's even before taking into account that unlike London, "central Sydney" is a long way from the geographical centre of Sydney, so Casula is much less the outskirts of Sydney than Uxbridge is the outskirts of London
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#3 gemdilem:
Is that Sydney, near Australia..?
For all that they speak funny, my experience of Aussies is that they have tremendous heart, a great sense of humour and are very generous.
So it is a great idea holding the homeless world cup in Melbourne. If that does not give the participants the incentive to work hard to improve their personal lot, then they are beyond hope and the next tournament should be held in Siberia.
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Well done Bryant, another rivetting post! I'd be amused to know how many of these homeless find themselves homes in the Australian urban hinterland. Much warmer than Glasgow this time of year.
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well all I was trying to say... is there just seems to be a lack of understanding in some of the blog entries... I find it very hard to actually believe some of the stuff I read in this blog when some of the key facts are incorrect...
In the entry "Sydney art fuses surf with Islam"...
Cronulla is a beachside suburb of Sydney... yet Casula is near Sydney... to me they are basicly the same distance from the centre of Sydney (say Central Station or George St)... driving or train journey times would be about the same...
And yes the geographical centre of Sydney is a LONG way from the "centre"...
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