04/20/24
October 25, 2011
Two teams, Two countries, One passion: This summer, the Ugandan Little League team’s hard work and determination had won them the title of 1st African team in history to earn the right to compete in the Little League World Series. Winning the Middle East/Africa Division for 11 and 12 year olds against Saudi Arabia in July, earned them an all-expenses paid trip to the August 2011 World Series in Williamsport, PA., USA. The youngsters were scheduled to play the Canadian team from Langley, BC, in what would have been an historic moment for Africa. However, just 2 weeks before that game was to take place, Uganda's request for visas was denied by the U.S. State Department. The following is a short film interviewing with some of the Ugandan players & coaches: Baseball changing lives in Uganda
posted by tommytrump to culture at 04:24 PM - 3 comments
It is sad that they weren't accommodated but IIRC we had a comment thread when this first happened.
posted by billsaysthis at 05:52 PM on October 28, 2011
I did a quick search and didn't see anything, that's why I posted, Bill. I might have missed it though.
I agree with you with regard to the lack of response to the article. I did make a donation to help the Canadian kids go to Uganda to play the Ugandan team in January. The fund is around 11% of its goal right now. Every little bit helps.
posted by tommybiden at 08:18 PM on October 28, 2011
I am sorry to see that this topic didn't draw any comments. Personally, I am saddened that the State Department couldn't find some way to accommodate these children, since that is what they are. It is sad, but in the end, it is always the children who suffer.