F.A.R.E.

Last week I got the privilege to volunteer at FARE- Futbal Aganist Racism in Europe.  It is a relatively new program here in Greece that uses a common thread, such as futbol, to raise awareness of racism that still exists throughout Europe.  There were many younger kids who came out to help the cause and as a whole we marched around the soccer field holding up a "red card against racism."  After we gave racism a red card we actually got to play a little soccer.  We were very intimidated by the 12 and 13 year olds, since they could have very easily kicked out butts... but we still tried playing with them.  We were able to keep up for a little but, but it was obvious that we were slowing them down.  So we let them start their own game and us older, yet not so good soccer players went to kicked around the ball on the field next to them.  It was so much fun a play soccer and at the same time help a good cause.  There were lots of support from the local futbol teams as well.  Many famous players came out, some we dealt with racism directly, and talked to the kids about what all this meant.  We even got some autographs!  It was so much fun to hang out with the kids and kick around a soccer ball, and it was all for a good cause!  It was a good night!