U.S. based South African Arts International (SAAI) recognizes FIFA’s enduring solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS during the 2026 World Cup.
This commitment aligns meaningfully with the global commemoration of HIV Testing Day on June 27 and marks the 12th anniversary of Victor Mooney’s of Queens solo journey crossing the Atlantic Ocean, from the Canary Islands to St. Martin (FWI).
Mr. Mooney’s journey was never merely about the distance traveled; it was a crusade to prove that persistence can overcome the most daunting tides. Mr. Federico Addiechi, during his tenure as the head of Corporate Social Responsibility at FIFA, graciously dispatched four Jabulani World Cup match balls to support his expedition.
“Those balls became more than sports equipment; they were beacons of hope, integrated into our educational outreach to promote HIV prevention and to inspire youth to never abandon their dreams, no matter how turbulent the sea”, said Mooney
On July 18, the eve of the World Cup Finals, SAAI are coordinating a 2.5-mile soccer pass relay at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York in support of FIFA’s Football Unites the World movement.
This event will see the revitalization of a local soccer field, ensuring that the spirit of the game leaves a lasting, tangible impact on our community.