I received the great honor to be invited as a guest coach for the 4th annual “We Got Skillz” soccer tournament in Africa. I could have hardly wished for a better way for how to end up the year!
I landed in Uganda ( Kampala ) on the 18th of December, first time setting foot on the African continent. I spent six unforgettable days with 380 amazing kids. They shared an endless supply of broad smiles with me and showed me their spectacular passion for soccer.
When I was walking around, watching those small champions playing games on hard pitches without shin pads, doing their best and always willing to win any ball and game, I realized how lucky and fortunate we are. I also felt deep gratitude to be living this heart opening experience.
After the final game in which the real champions in 2013 basked in their well-deserved glory, we held a last meeting.
I told them to find the passion for something they really like to do and protect it as the most precious gem. Whatever it takes, listen to your heart and do what needs to be done to be true to your passion. Only that way you will go far. There are no limits to real passion.
On my way back home, I stopped over in Istanbul and while I was waiting for my connecting flight to Vienna, l reflected on what happened during the last week. My thoughts went back to Uganda, this beautiful country with amazing nature, friendly people, tasty food and big potential. I felt grateful for the job I could do and thankful for the year that was just about to end.
This way I would like to thank all of you who helped us to put so many smiles on those little faces. The kids had a really great time, we all did, and your contributions made a difference to what we could achieve!
From Vancouver to Kampala – big thanks to Charmaine Von Possel, Susan Semeniw, Alfredo Chu, Peter Vokoun, Angelo Soukas, Paul, Toni Gabrilo, Dominic Fantillo, Jory Yeh, Aritzia,Jonathan Wall,Salsa Agave yaletown, Quiznos yaletown, Jon Paul Janze, Jill Carter. Sciue Italian cafe yaletown.
To Bavubuka foundation for the tremendous faith in those champions and for giving them the opportunity to do what they really love and making them grow.
Thanks to my friends in Czech Republic and to my family for always being here for me.
