Sisterhood between Darlington and Hope Project China

SKF Meet the World isn’t just about helping teams to improve their football skills. They also pay the free transportation, accomodation and participation fee in Gothia Cup for 25 teams from 24 countries. On the last day of Gothia Cup 2012, two teams met to share each others cultures – and the Darlington girls from Toronto, Canada took the opportunity to give away gifts to Meet the World’s Chinese girl team.

When Darlinton and Hope Project China meet outside Gamla Ullevi stadium, everyone is dressed in red and white. The Chinese girls are wearing white and red traditional chinese dancing dresses, and they give a dance show for the canadian girls, all dressed in red with the typical white maple leaves on their backs. Meet the World isn’t just about football, it’s also about meeting people from all over the world.

Two years ago, Darlington brought gifts to a Zambian team. It was an appreciated act. And this year, Hope Project China got their share of Darlington’s generousity.
– We brought loads of things. Clothes, soccer shoes, soccer balls, that kind of stuff, says Stephanie Tannis who plays for Darlington.
– It feels good to give them all this. We have more than they do, and that’s why we want to share what we have with them, the says.

The chinese girls are grateful when they receive all the gifts. Tom Johnstone, CEO of SKF, is there to watch.
– This is fantastic. Gothia Cup is of course a football tournament, but this is a bonis. Getting different cultures to meet each other and share their experiences, and sharing with those who don’t have everything. This is the spirit of Gothia Cup, he says.