Update: The Shirt 2010 – Forget Me Not
The World Cup in South Africa comes to an end tomorrow when Spain play Holland in the final. It is the first World Cup being hosted by an African nation.
Many fans travelled to South Africa to cheer on their nation’s representatives and whilst many travelled by planes, buses and trains amongst others, one man decided to go one step ahead.
Bjorn Heidenstrom is a retired Norwegian football and for a short time also played for Leyton Orient.
In June 2009, Bjorn decided to cycle all the way from Oslo, Norway, to South Africa. Bjorn did this in support for The Refugee Council with the challenge being titled ~ Forget Me Not.
Bjorn’s challenge was to travel from Norway to South Africa collecting many football kits on his way. During his journey we published some updates regarding his trip where he met various famous people in the football world including FIFA President Sepp Blatter, World Cup winner Francesco Totti and John Arne Riise from Roma, UEFA President Michel Platini amongst others.
Bjorn’s challenge was succesfully completed by managing to stitch together the largest football shirt ~ made up of 600 football shirts. The shirt is currently on display in South Africa for the World Cup period and you can view a video showing the final product of Bjorn’s charitable act here, courtesy of BBC News.
And it does not end here!
Bjorn Heidenstrom & Steve Hall
Steve Hall, from Spain is now cycling in England and Wales with the aim of visiting all the 92 football league clubs in both countries. Steve started his challenge in May, and plans to finish it by next month.
Just like Bjorn, Steve Hall is doing this in support of the World’s 45 million refugees. In his blog on http://theshirt2010.co.uk Steve writes:
Why am I doing this? My aim is very clear. I want to help to raise awareness for the world’s 45 million refugees. I am not looking to raise money. I am simply focused on raising the level of awareness for this huge global issue.
Get involved and help Steve get the message through.
Wow! That guy is very determined! He cycled to SOUTH AFRICA FROM NORWAY?! That’s incredible!
One helluva project. Well done Bjørn and thanks to http://www.football-shirts.co.uk for supporting us.
Happy to meet in the UK but I have been in serious accident
I am now out of danger and was this afternoon released from hospital
If I owe you or yours emails, updates etc I apologise
Normal service will be resumed asap but all meetings/appointments etc will have to be rescheduled. Sorry
No access to phone as the police have held on to my mobiles
As I say I am out of danger and enjoyed Spain’s win,
Thanks again for your support of Bjørn and his team.
Kind Regards
Steve