Grassroot Soccer Hits Philly

PHILADELPHIA, PA-- The most recent stop on Ethan Zohn and Grassroots Soccer’s journey from Boston to Washington DC was an event at LaSalle University in Philadelphia.

Zohn, who was the winner of the third season of the reality T.V. show Survivor, Survivor: Africa, has put a big portion of the $1,000,000 he won towards the Grassroot Soccer organization, which helps raise awareness for AIDS in Africa.

Recently, Zohn suffered a bit of a setback as the 35-year-old tore ligaments in his knee, which he says, has helped call people to action to aide his goal of dribbling the 550 miles from Boston, Mass. to Washington DC.

“Mentally, it was a bit of a set back,” said Zohn of his injured knee in an exclusive interview with Goal.com. “In terms of the dribble it really hasn’t stopped us. We’ve just switched our messaging a bit. Now we just need everyone’s help more than ever. Come out, support me, help me get the ball to DC before December 1st. It’s really been a call to action of sorts. Basically, when I set my mind to something, I do it. I had a dream to do this dribble and it’s been in the planning stages for two years, and I wouldn’t let this stop me.”

Joining Zohn on this leg of the tour is World Series MVP and Philadelphia Phillies player Cole Hamels, a personal friend of Ethan’s. Talking with the children at the event, and playing a bit of soccer as well, Hamels was an added boost to an already energized day.

“It’s just a testament to who he is as a person. He’s a great guy, loves to help kids who need the help and wants to support the organization. It also shows the strength of our organization when we have people like Cole supporting us.”

Representatives from other organizations were present as well, including Ashley Reinholt, the Administrative Coordinator for MLS Philadelphia 2010. Organizing the event, Reinholt arranged for the 20-plus children from the Helping Hands Rescue Mission to be there to hear Ethan’s passionate message.

“What Ethan and the folks at Grassroot Soccer are doing to promote HIV and AIDS awareness is amazing,” said Reinholt. “Soccer is a truly powerful vehicle that the kids can relate to and understand. Having been able to participate in the clinic, I saw first-hand how using simple soccer games created a fun way for these kids to learn about HIV and AIDS.   It is great to see an organization like Grassroot Soccer United campaigning to ignite change throughout Africa, the United States and the world.”

With one major stop left on the tour, Ethan understands what he has to do, and is just thankful that he in a position to spread his message through the wonderful medium of soccer.

“I mean the money, it’s going to go,” said Zohn of his Survivor winnings. “But if I can use the money and my fame to create change in this world, that’s what I want to do. I think it’s a good message to the kids, as they are struggling a bit, and seeing how I’m using the money I won for good I think has a positive influence on them.”

-- Shane Evans, Goal.com