Batavia Rotary Clubs’ contribution of 500 new soccer balls and 50 hand pumps will be on their way to poverty stricken areas of South Africa, Nigeria, El Salvador, Mexico and American Samoa.  “Given the numerous benefits of physical activity, the popularity of soccer world-wide and the satisfaction that comes from learning and playing soccer, the Batavia Rotary Club is pleased to collaborate with a reputable organization committed to helping children and their communities reach their full potential,” stated Ted Hawley, Batavia Rotary Club president.

 Children love soccer.  But many of the world’s children live in poverty and have never played with a real toy-let alone a real soccer ball.  Instead, they play with balls made of rags, leaves or wads of plastic tied together by strings.  Play is an essential part of childhood.  With World Cup play underway in South Africa, the timing couldn’t be better for a donation of 500 soccer balls to nations world-wide.

 To learn more about World Vision’s Get a Kick Out of Sharing program, visit www.worldvision.org/soccerballs and for more information about the Batavia Rotary Club, visit www.bataviarotary.org.