US CONSULATE HOSTS YOUTH FOOTBALL CLINIC
Karachi – U.S. Consul General Brian Heath hosted a football clinic for street children at his residence. Pakistan Football Captain Kaleemullah Khan, Azad Foundation Principal-Secretary Naveed Hasan Khan and U.S. Consulate Cultural Attaché Griffin Rozell attended.
The event featured members of Pakistan’s breakthrough 2014 Street Children’s World Cup team. That team advanced to the semi-finals, winning the bronze medal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, despite soccer’s traditionally weak presence in Pakistan.
“Our purpose here today is simple: to enjoy a friendly game of football, get to know each other a little better, and in doing so help to strengthen ties between the people of Pakistan and the United States,” said Mr. Heath. Sports play a powerful, positive role in young people’s lives, he said. “Sport is all about dedication, respect for others and cooperation,” said Mr. Rozell. “We want more young people in Pakistan to experience the joys of football, while benefiting from the sense of belonging and teamwork.”
The U.S. consul general took the opportunity to also congratulate Kaleemullah Khan for signing onto the Tulsa Roughnecks soccer team. “American fans are very fortunate that they will get to enjoy your talent,” said Mr. Heath. “We very much appreciate your efforts to support the next generation of Pakistani soccer stars.”
About the Azad Foundation
The Azad Foundation is committed to improving the well-being and self-esteem of alienated and excluded street children through unconditionally positive support, whenever and wherever necessary. It seeks to reintegrate street children with their family and society. The foundation grew out of an informal association of students, professors and alumni at Karachi University who wanted to address social problems, class disparity and educational needs.
For more information on U.S. government cultural and educational activities, please visit www.eca.state.gov or visit the Consulate’s web site at karachi.usconsulate.gov.