JUST another BEAUTIFUL game?

Most of the world knows that the FIFA World Cup competition has begun. As I’m finishing this week’s blog story, New Zealand has just played Iran, ranked 20. A draw! 2-2. A great result considering our ranking of 85. Go the kiwis!
What country will win the World Cup? France? Spain? Argentina? England? The lowest ranked team New Zealand? 
When I was teaching at Hamilton Boys’ High School, I worked with Naaz, Lynnette and a few other teachers with ex refugee students. After a number of years, a football team was formed. Our team needed a uniform, so one was designed and made. 
We were scheduled to play against a combination of our school 1st 11 and 2nd 11 teams for the inaugural, and now *annual sports fixture. We needed a trophy, so one was organised. On game day, our team skipped more classes than was allowed, to get ready. Who could blame them? The teams lined up on the school field. Talk about pride in uniform, as they were representing themselves, their families and other ex refugees. Hundreds of student supporters lined the field. A large number of teachers and leadership were on the sidelines too. (In a cool coincidence, this year’s *game was played yesterday).
The game and the drums began. So much noise and excitement and in many ways the score didn’t matter. 
At the after-match function the trestle tables sagged with an abundance of food. I gave a speech and mentioned that today’s game wasn’t all about football. I know that sounds a bit strange but it makes sense. It was much more than that as It was about a sense of acceptance, belonging, safety and being in a community within our school community. And the knowledge that they played for each other and were all ‘brothers’. 
Go New Zealand! Can the seemingly impossible happen?

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