64 countries compete in Rio de Janeiro

The 8th Homeless World Cup kicked off this past Sunday in Rio de Janeiro with delegations and fans from the 64 countries involved in the event.

The US team was one of the first to perform and they entered the court wearing the Brazilian jersey over their US uniforms. The men's team from Kenya also drew attention with their war calls and by beating Ghana 12 - 3.

The Mexican fans were the noisiest, with horns, wooden "maritacas" and their famous Luche Libre wrestler costumes.

Everyone who took part appeared happy.

Someone truly happy with the tournament was Colombian Ingrid Macana, whose eyes sparkled when she spoke of her experience. "It's the first time I swim in the ocean. We arrived here on the 17th and we are making the most of it."

The Colombian player said that besides her, most of the players from her country had never been on an airplane, or seen the ocean up close. Ingrid used the word "super" often when recalling the start of the trip.

Besides providing unique experiences to disadvantaged youths, the Homeless World Cup offers hope for a better life to many people. Six months after the last edition of the event, a survey showed that 71% of the participants changed their lives considerably; 29% found work, 32% went back to school and 71% now play football regularly.

Since 2003 the charity tournament has contributed to a better quality of life for over 30 thousand people around the world and has counted with the support of over 70 social organisations.

The celebrations with the fans and the delegations from the 64 countries will continue until the 26th, the end of the tournament in which everyone wins medals and, most importantly, hope for a better life through sports. "Football gives me courage to do things I didn't think were possible," concluded the Ugandan Player Susan Lakica.