In November, the students at the Silvermine Elementary School in Norwalk, CT collected soccer balls as a donation to Kick For Nick as part of their Veteran's Day program. Bill & Shalini were so proud to accept the balls during their assembly in the gym.

U.S. Consul General Brian Heath with coaches from Karachi United Football Foundation (KUFF) and 14-17 year old children from underprivileged areas of Karachi at a football clinic organized by the U.S. Consulate Karachi.

The video is in Hindi so here is a brief translation. The 1st young man says, "We had a lot of fun playing with our American guests, we learned a lot from them and they from us". And the 2nd young man, "We should have more matches like this, more support for the growth of our children. Americans have come to our village, we are very happy. And we won the football match today, and feel very good".

The distribution of soccer balls to schools throughout Lebanon serves as a tool to bridge the differences among the diverse religious populations. 

Generally two soccer balls were distributed to each school visited throughout the country. As the most popular sport in the region, soccer is universally understood by youth of all religions and ethnic backgrounds.

Immediately upon receipt of the balls, children would engage in a pick-up soccer match including each and every child in the school, regardless of religion or nationality. 

The ability of these students to work as a team toward a common goal demonstrates the ability to look beyond religious disparities and coexist in a progressive state.