Jokowi Supports Street Children to Compete Football in Brazil

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo (Jokowi) greeted 28 street children from seven provinces in Indonesia, at City Hall on Monday. These kids are scheduled to play in the Street Child World Cup at Rio De Janiero, Brazil, on upcoming March 26 to April 6, 2014, as reported by Antara News.

In that occasion, Jokowi asked the kids to continue their study in school. He even promised to assist them in terms of financing. "After returning from Brazil, all of you must be success and continue to go to school, at least until the senior high school (SMA) or the vocational school (SMK) terms. I'll check you all later. If you could continue to school, please proceed. But if not, I'll help you a little," he stated in front of the children.

Regarding the competition in Brazil, Jokowi asked them not to focus on the matter of winning or losing. "It's not a matter of winning or losing, but the important thing is for you to have insights of what other country looks like and to be able to carry with you all the name of Indonesia," he expressed.

Meanwhile, Garuda Muda Manager, Doddy Mationdang, explained that his party held selection in seven cities to search for football-talented children. Those cities were Jakarta, Medan, Makasar, Surabaya, Palembang, Bandung, and Yogya. "Initially, there were 543 children undergoing the selection. The most participants are from Jakarta with 175 kids and Surabaya with 109 kids," he explained.

As mentioned before, 28 selected kids will compete in the Street Child World Cup in Brazil on upcoming March 26 to April 6. They will follow two activities, namely football and social activities. Besides Indonesia, 20 other countries will also enliven the competition, like India, Philippines, Brazil, and Egypt.

ANTARA