In more recent times, Africa has been in the news in a different light. Unfortunately, any news regarding Africa tends to concentrate on the negative aspects that the government, people, and culture have suffered throughout past decades because of extreme poverty levels and diseases running rampant throughout the continent. It is no surprise that because of its lack of resources, Africa is constantly being reported in the news as a horrible place to live. However, in a change of tone, recent news having to do with Africa seems to be in a more positive light. South Africa will play host to one of the most widely-viewed sports in all the world and its most prestigious championship event, the World Cup. Soccer–or Football, depending on where you are geographically–is the sport that has the most popularity in nations throughout the world. Save the United States, Soccer is the most participated-in sport, so much so that it is infused with the inherent culture, specifically in Latin America and Europe. Every four years, the World Cup becomes a worldwide event where nations rally behind their home team in a display of patriotism and nationalistic pride. In June of 2010, the World Cup will come to South Africa, hopefully bringing a much needed economic stimulus to the nation, and possibly even the continent itself.
The 2010 World Cup will undoubtedly bring commerce and tourists to South Africa, and by doing so, provide for a different outlook on how the world views the well spring of human civilization. The World Cup event creates for a unique opportunity for Africa to show that it has more to offer than just sad and expected news from one of the world’s most poor continents. There is much culture and natural beauty that Africa has to offer, and hopefully with the World Cup, it can be put in display by highlighting one of its nations in South Africa. The World Cup has the unique ability of bringing nations and countries together in friendly competition and in doing so, hopefully not only put the spotlight on a naturally beautiful country, but also bring a keen sense of awareness to the rest of the world.
Though South Africa is bound to be displayed at its most beautiful and best, once a champion of the world is declared, it is important not to lose sight that the nation and the rest of the continent can still use the help of the rest of the world. The sports spectacle is bound to generate a much needed boost in the economy for South Africa, but people’s efforts to help should not end there. Hopefully, the 2010 World Cup will not only provide a truly amazing experience for the South African people and the rest of the world, but also offer an opportunity to bring people together in an effort to provide the continent much needed help in the future. Hopefully, the World Cup can generate enough of a touristic and commercial interest that will continue much further after a new world champion is to be crowned.
