As if you didn’t already know, we’re sponsoring the 2018 CONIFA World Football Cup in London this summer.
I decided it was only right to get a first-hand perspective on what CONIFA means to the people who are part of it. By which I mean, I fancied an extended vacation away from the office and somehow convinced the money-men to sign off on it.
THUS BEGAN MY EPIC VOYAGE AROUND THE WORLD.
It was a journey of real contrast, from the chaotic ultra-modern streets of Japan to the spectacular, dense rainforests of Zimbabwe.
I spoke to presidents. I saw hippos roaring on the Zambezi river. I ate in a robot café – which, thanks to my crew forcing me to try local ‘delicacies’ everywhere I went, was one of the more pleasant dining experiences.
More importantly, I saw the impact CONIFA – and football – can have on marginalised and troubled communities. What I witnessed will stay with me for a long time, and I hope I can show YOU the amazing things being achieved by those working so hard to foster identity and solidarity in their regions.
And who knows? I might even give you a bit of a laugh along the way.
We’ll be airing five documentary episodes over the coming weeks, all of which you will be able to view on Twitter and here on our CONIFA 2018 hub. So without further ado, here’s Episode One…