‘Ameobi Bicycle’ In Charity Ride -Globetrotter Dedicates Bike To Newcastle Star For the 31 sides that had to qualify to join hosts Brazil at this summer’s FIFA World Cup, the world’s media often describe their hard work, sacrifice and determination on the road to Brazil. For one England fan on a fundraising mission, his journey to this summer’s finals has been much longer, more demanding and tougher than most. Hugh Thompson is in the final stages of a 25,000km journey that will take in 25 countries across five continents by the time he reaches Rio de Janeiro in June. What makes his feat all the more impressive is that the incredible distance has been covered on the Newcastle United fan’s trusted bicycle affectionately nicknamed ‘Shola,’ after The Magpies’ Nigerian forward, Shola Ameobi. But why is this Englishman undertaking such an arduous challenge? He is raising money for TackleAfrica, a charity that delivers HIV education through football across the continent that hosted the 2010 finals. The 29-year-old, who has worked with homeless football projects across England and for the New York Red Bulls as a development coach in the USA, told FIFA about the purpose behind his journey and the good and bad times on his road to Rio. Thompson, who has some remarkable stories from his time on the road so far, including playing and coaching in some stunning locations, has one moment from his journey that stands out, and it is directly linked to his roots in the north-east of England. He expatiates: “I volunteered for TackleAfrica five years ago in Uganda. I was blown away by the impact the charity was having on local communities. “I fell in love with the country, the people and their passion for football. I also witnessed the need to educate young people about HIV and was inspired to make a difference and raise some money. “I’ve had the privilege of visiting lots of TackleAfrica’s projects in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. I’ve met some incredible women who are empowering young girls in Tanzania. “I ran a football tournament in Sydney, raising £4,000 on the day with 20 teams taking part which was incredible. I also joined in an endless game of football on the side of the road in western Sumatra as the sun came down, which was amazing. “I was coaching and playing in Budapest as part of a homeless football project. It was a beautiful afternoon on Margaret Island and nearby there was a musical fountain. “I read that morning it was four years to the day that Sir Bobby Robson had passed away. While I played in the sunshine, the famous Nessun Dorma came through the musical fountains. It was a great moment with memories of 1990 flooding back.”
Posted on: Thu, 17 Apr 2014 16:52:02 +0000
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