From the very beginning, we always knew that we wanted to provide something that could be universally enjoyed by anyone and everyone. Something that could have several different uses, provide a variety of benefits, that was low cost and most importantly, could hold up to the wear and tear of constant use. The last thing we wanted to do was provide something that would fall apart after a few rough hours of play.
While doing our research we stumbled upon the One World Play Project which created the unpoppable One World Futbol as a solution for kids living in harsh conditions where standard soccer balls don’t last long. We started a campaign to raise 100 of the unpoppable Futbols to provide the power of PLAY to under served communities. Our campaign was a success, and we raised a total of 139 futbols with the power to positively impact 4170 children and deliver the joy of play.
As part of our campaign, we wanted to bring donors and the recipients closer together by requesting that each futbol donated display a message or image that was significant to them. In return the children that receive the futbol decorate the remainder of the ball creating a bond between donor and recipient, united by a uniquely artistic and durable ball.
After the success of our first trips to Vietnam and Mexico, we decided to expand our efforts and develop more specific projects to meet the needs of the communities we collaborate with. The focal point of the Have A Ball projects remaining to provide and encourage PLAY within communities and schools. However, focusing our attention on not only providing recreational items like the unpoppable ball but also addressing the need for updated resources for educators.
As we move forward in our adventure, we remain committed to encouraging the benefits of PLAY. This means, spending more time in villages working with community leaders to address the physical, mental and emotional health concerns that affect the children in their community. These obstacles will require creative solutions and we are excited to work hand-in-hand to present what is possible when a community comes together to encourage healthy, sustainable solutions. While the unpoppable futbol is no longer at the center of our projects it still stands as a symbol of why the project was created.
The power of PLAY has taken us to some amazing places, pushed us farther than we ever imagined and opened us to a tremendous amount of love and gratitude. We are grateful for the path that is behind us and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead of us.