12/21/24
July 17, 2008
Rob Green: 21 days that changed my life.: This summer West Ham's goalkeeper did without the traditional footballer's holiday and went instead to Africa to work with a charity that helps the truly disadvantaged – and uses football to get its message across. Here Rob Green describes an experience that was both shattering and ultimately uplifting.
Honest and direct, and very forthcoming on his limited life experiences and the resulting culture shock. I would be so happy to read about an American athlete doing something similar. The closest I can find is Gilbert Arenas' recent trip to Manila, but that was to promote his shoes. Green's on an entirely different level.
posted by dusted at 05:24 PM on July 17, 2008
If the 'Pool's not playing, I'll be cheering for Green and the Hammers.
posted by worldcup2002 at 05:28 PM on July 17, 2008
Great story. One of the issues with international aid is that the spotlight is often on disasters and human suffering, at the expense of stories that show how people have the strength and resilience to overcome hardship. I would be so happy to read about an American athlete doing something similar Didn't we have a story about Steve Nash and his wife funding a hospital in South America? Oh, wait - he's Canadian...
posted by owlhouse at 07:14 PM on July 17, 2008
I would be so happy to read about an American athlete doing something similar Maybe not quite on the same level as Green, but NY Red Bull Seth Stammler set up the Sporting Chance Foundation after a trip to Haiti.
posted by goddam at 07:56 PM on July 17, 2008
I don't think we have to worry about seeing American bling and homes made from mud and faeces together any time soon.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 09:38 PM on July 18, 2008
Very difficult story to read---hard not to look away at times. I'm glad I took the time.