New Homeless World Cup Champion Hope Solo launches global 5k fundraising campaign with Homeless World Cup
The Homeless World Cup has today announced former USWNT World Cup winner Hope Solo as its latest Homeless World Cup Champion, as it launches a new global 5k run to raise funds to help end homelessness.
The legendary goalkeeper is the first to sign-up for World United 5k, a new first of its kind event designed to unite runners worldwide through their shared love of football.
Participants can join Hope by signing up, choosing to run for their favourite team and run 1k, 3k 5k anywhere in the world on the 27 and 28 of April 2024. Runners have until the 31 January 2024 to register.
Having been involved with the Homeless World Cup for several years, the 2015 Women’s World Cup winner and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Hope Solo said:
“I’m proud to be a Homeless World Cup Champion. From the very first time I learned about the Tournament and all the countries and organisations across the globe who are part of the Homeless World Cup family, I’ve wanted to get more involved in the important work they do. Spending time with players at the 20th anniversary tournament in Sacramento this summer was an incredible experience to see up close how football can transform lives.
"Growing up, I witnessed my father, a Vietnam veteran, experience the mental and physical challenges of homelessness. Yet, he always had so much love to give and taught me so many of my greatest life lessons. He also loved sport, was my first coach and knew the importance of activity and its massive benefits, both physical and mental.
“I’m excited to be able to join The World United 5k. The fact that runners can also represent their club is a fantastic element and lets everyone share in the fun with their friends, teammates and fellow fans. Being able to run from anywhere means there are no excuses to not get your kit on.”
Mel Young, Co-Founder and President of the Homeless World Cup, said:
“Hope is going to be a wonderful Homeless World Cup Champion, she’s been involved since coming to our 2023 Homeless World Cup in Sacramento, cheering from the stands and adding huge insight in a panel discussion for our Cities Ending Homelessness initiative, a global network of cities committed to ending homelessness. Based on her own experience, she’s been able to see for herself the fantastic work we’ve been doing at the Homeless World Cup Foundation, and the incredible positive impact it’s having on people who’ve lived the experience personally, or vicariously. We’re truly delighted to have signed her for the team.”
On the launch of the race Mel said: “We’re over the moon to announce the World United 5k run. People are always kindly asking us what they can do to help. Now they can help by registering by January 31, and joining us for this 5k, 3k or 1k on April 27 or 28. Put on the famous jersey of your favourite team, represent your club, compete against other supporters from across the globe and run in your hometown.”
Runners can register by heading to https://worldunited.com/, signing up for either the 1k, 3k or 5k run. They can sign up as a group of friends, work colleagues or club supporters, electing the club they support and wearing their football shirt with pride during their run - or running for the Homeless World Cup. The run can take place at any place, inside or outside, anywhere in the world and completion will earn a ‘Champion for Change’ medal which can be worn with pride earning further rewards from the World United 5k marketplace. It costs £19.95 to register for the World United 5k and each runner will receive the medal and running bib before the weekend of the 27 and 28 Apil. 100% of entry fees goes to supporting the Homeless World Cup Foundation.
Find out more by visiting https://worldunited.com/ or following @worldunited5k