Think of all of the communities around the world that play soccer with plastic bags rubber-banded together, or in rigorous conditions where a ball wouldn’t last for more than a game.
Tim Jahniegen, a lyricist and chef took action in 2006 after seeing a story on Darfur, in which he saw children kicking around balls of trash. This poignant image make him realize the need for a ball that can withstand any condition.
And so he launched One World Futbol Project. With the help of Sting, a friend from his time in the music business, he went on to create a ball that is virtually indestructible. Made from plastic - out of a material similar to Crocs shoes - the One World Futbol never needs a pump and never goes flat.
It’s pretty remarkable and is a fantastic idea for communities around the world with glass, barbwire, thorny bushes, or even zoo animals who simply want to play with a ball.
The Project thrives on the “buy one, give one” model. For $39.95 you purchase two balls, one for yourself and one to be donated to a community in need. (You can do so here.) The organization has supplied over 850,000 balls to communities in Darfur, Detroit, Malawi and much more. Check the video below!