HOME AND AWAY In Search of Dreams at the Homeless World Cup of Soccer with Dave Bidini

We think this is one of the best books we have seen in a long time. Homelessness, poverty and isolation mixed in with a glimpse of the geopolitical situation world wide, a dash of humour, a sprinkling of pathos and an incredible way with words, this is a book you will want to read and pass on to friends, and a man you will want to hear speak. 

Taking place during the week of the Homeless World Cup of Soccer in Rio, we are thrilled to be bringing Dave Bidini to Ottawa, and hopefully letting lots of you know about this amazing sporting event!! www.homelessworldcup.org/

An uplifting tale of travelling with Team Canada as they compete for the Homeless World Cup.

In 2008 Dave Bidini accompanies Homeless Team Canada to the Homeless World Cup in Melbourne, Australia. As he watches team members play and shares their disappointments, frustrations, joys, and triumphs, he comes to care deeply about the players—45-year-old Billy, who is a former addict; the quick-footed 24-year-old Moroccan immigrant Juventus, who refuses to talk about his past; and most of all, the endearing teenaged Krystal, who carries a photograph of her long-dead mother and dreams of a better life.

Bidini gets to know the other teams at the World Cup and describes the games themselves, culminating in the final between Canada and Malawi and a chance for the talented Krystal to join a soccer team in Holland. Bidini also begins to understand what this tournament means to people. He sees firsthand the power of sport to transform the lives of those on the edge—how the decision to play this game can mean the difference between survival or heading down a road of addiction, poverty, or crime. Home and Away offers a powerful look at the poor and dispossessed, from the barrios of Mexico City and the shanties of West Africa to the streets of North America and Europe, and illuminates the renewed meaning that these homeless players find in the beautiful game.
“Bidini’s books give sports and travel writing a charge.” Georgia Straight on The Best Game You Can Name
   

This is event is free, all are encouraged to attend.