Pelé was in town to kick-off Fútbol Mundial's children's LEA literacy program, a program to encourage children to read first and then play.
“There were 200,000 people there to see me score my 1,000th goal, but I said that they should give as much attention to school, education, the kids,” Pelé said. “They didn’t understand my message then and now look at Brazil — you see violence, corruption. In Brazil since then, two generations did not get my message and did not get an education. So my message to the youth of America is that there is a time to play and a time to read.”While playing for the Brazilian national team in World Cup competitions in the 1960's, Pelé electrified the soccer world with his speed, acrobatics and sheer magic. Pelé came out of retirement to jump start U.S. professional soccer. In 1977 he led the New York Cosmos to the U.S. championship.
Pelé, now 66, is coach of the Brazilian team which just made it into the finals of the Copa América, the soccer tournament of the Americas being held in Venezuela. Brazil faces off against favorite Argentina on Saturday, July 14.
The following is a short video produced Fútbol Mundial for the special occasion.
Also see Pelé Talks Brazil, U.S. and David ‘Beckman’ (by Jack Bell, NYTimes/GOAL Blog 7-11.07)
Pelé (by Henry Kissenger, TIME100: The Most Important People of the Century - 6.14.99)
Thanks for your very joyous post today!!! And to think we are also hosting Beckham.... Good to know Pele is still going and doing good things for the community!
ReplyDeleteNancy
Thanks for your post! It's great that Latino stars of the past are getting involved in issues today.
ReplyDeleteThe reason I’m reaching out is to see if you’d like to receive a free copy of a Maya & Miguel Cinco de Maya DVD. I’m working on a marketing project with Scholastic to raise awareness about cultural diversity, language learning and even supporting a soccer tournament http://pbskids.org/mayaandmiguel/english/stunts/kickit/index.html by connecting with parents like you that are publishing great content.
If you’d like to receive the DVD, just email me at mark@boldmouth.com with your address and I’ll have it shipped out to you. If you do choose to get the Maya & Miguel DVD and decide to blog about, please make it clear how you received the DVD. Our goal is to be open and honest with everyone we reach.
All the Best,
Mark Steidler
BoldMouth
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI think, i fall here followin the paul simon cd, born in puerto rico, wich I was to indicate to a friend of mine.
Your blog is really pretty intresting, but as a Brazilian I was tempted to check out your post about Brasil, and just to do a litlle correction. Dunga is the actual coach of brazilian's team Since 2006 when he Switched Place with C.A. Parreira. I'm almost sure that Pele never worked as a coach since his retirement. Instead he stays talkin around bout mistakes of all coaches who passed through our comand... lol...
but... if theres's someonte that can do this... is he.
Thanks, for the post about Pele, and I invite you to know more about the story of Rivelino, Another legendary soccer player that played
at my old love Fluminense Football Club,and off course in the brazilians team...
Sorry for any english mistake,
Thanks,
Pedro.
pedrolac88@yahoo.com.br
pedrolac88@hotmail.com