Inspiration and the other World Cup
Jasmine before the kids arrived
“Elpis Enterprises (Elpis is Greek for hope) is a youth development organization focusing on youth employment training and small business education. Participants “work” all areas of the business and learn, earn, and profit as they go. Operating business enterprises include a four-color screen-printing operation and a woodworking shop that utilizes only reclaimed and recycled wood products. In addition, Elpis’ young staff conducts hands on workshops at its facility for youth groups from throughout the area as well as conducting community-building activities at offsite locations”.
Jasmine giving instructions for the birdfeeder project using recycled wood.
Jasmine is homeless but you wouldn’t know it. She has a passion inside and the motivation to follow her dreams. Jasmine is a member of the US World Cup Street Soccer Team. A worldwide event that brings the positive influence of sports to the lives of those who are homeless.
A group of homeless players has more inconspicuously joined the list of nationally recognized soccer clubs from Minneapolis. The YouthLink team — which is part of YouthLink, a transitional homeless facility for teenagers and young adults. This year, seven players from the club have been selected for the Homeless World Cup, which started on Sunday and will go through Sept. 26 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They include three on the U.S. women’s team, called the Lady Salamanders.
Jasmine Morris, 19, will represent Minneapolis on the U.S. women’s team. Morris left home two years ago due to conflicts with her mother’s boyfriend and played soccer for the first time with YouthLink beginning in 2009. Morris said she was surprised to make the U.S. team for the Homeless World Cup. “I’m so excited and a little nervous. It’s my first trip outside the United States.” She speaks eloquently and shares her visions about the future that have been shaped since joining the team. “This opportunity gave me a second chance. I am working hard towards a goal now and I know that soccer has helped changed my outlook. I continue to practice everday and give my all, with the hopes of earning a soccer scholarship to the University of Minnesota.”
The building begins...
I left work yesterday with the greatest respect and admiration for what Jasmine is doing and how she does it. I will be cheering for Jasmine and thinking about what she is doing as my season starts in less than two weeks. Sometimes inspiration doesn’t come from the Olympians you meet but intead from those who have nothing but the will to compete.
Keep Hammering Towards Your Dreams!
