Vanessa Ibis - Speaking at the Global Homelessness Symposium
Credit: Anita Milas (Vanessa is on the right)
Wednesday 12 July saw the first-of-its kind Global Homelessness Symposium, hosted by Sacramento State University and held in the Sac State ballroom. When Vanessa Ibis, a current player for the 2023 Homeless World Cup Romanian women’s team, stepped onto the stage, she wasn’t sure she was up to the job. Vanessa was at the symposium to take part in a panel discussion about her own experiences and her journey to the 2023 Homeless World Cup, which has been taking place at Hornet Stadium between 8–15 July.
Vanessa’s coach had approached her about being on the panel, clearly recognising that her story was worth sharing and she could hold her own. But, understandably, she found the prospect a bit daunting. “I was very shy, very nervous, [but] I tried to say to myself, ‘you can do it.’ I saw that many people tried to encourage, not just me, but the other speakers [too].”
“I prayed before [I went on stage]. I said ‘God, give me strength.’”
Other members of the panel were Lisa Wrightsman, a former US HWC player and now Managing Director at Street Soccer USA; Aditya Triana, a current HWC player for the Indonesia team; and Edward Kiwanuka-Quinlan, former HWC player for Canada and currently a referee in this year’s tournament. The panel was hosted by Hope Solo, former USWNT Olympic and World Cup Champion.
Through encouragement from her team coach and the support from the other panellists, Vanessa found the courage to take part in the discussion, sharing her experience growing up in an orphanage in Romania with the 300-strong audience, as well as describing her journey to the Homeless World Cup so far. The Homeless World Cup partner in Romania is an organisation called Clubul Sportiv Fotbal De Strada Metanoia (Metanoia Street Football Sports Club). It uses sports, particularly football, to enable street children, those suffering from substance abuse, and other marginalised people to gain the benefits that sports can bring – such as becoming part of a team, increased self-confidence, and learning how to interact with others. There is a strong focus on individuals developing qualities to help them become valuable team members on and off the pitch.
Back to the symposium and Vanessa recounts her experience:
“The [spotlights] were very strong. I couldn’t see [the people in the audience] from the stage. And I said [to myself]. ‘I don’t need to be shy or lose my confidence.’” The fact that others were sharing their own stories helped her to feel comfortable sharing hers.
“It was very hard to share [my] story in front of all those people. Everyone has their own story. [But the other speakers] were very open… They were inspiring.”
After the discussion finished, Vanessa said she felt “relieved. But I was so proud [of myself,] it was worth it.”
At time of writing, Romania are third in the standings overall in the women's competition, and Vanessa hopes they can go all the way. But it’s not about winning. Reflecting on her experience of the Homeless World Cup tournament so far, Vanessa has found it really positive. “It’s my first time [being a part of the Homeless World Cup]. There are so many teams. People are so kind and friendly”. Vanessa also tells me the team have had an opportunity to meet with the local Romanian community here in Sacramento, and they have been hugely supportive. She hopes to be able to keep in touch through social media with people she has met here.
To spectators watching the players on the pitch, it is apparent there is great spirit and camaraderie between the members of the Romanian team. “[We tell each other] ‘you can do it. You are strong.’”
Credit: Anita Milas
Words: Alix Gunn