Open Door Goal

Greetings Happy People,

For the last month, I have been enjoying the World Cup. Thirty-two teams from all over the world vying for soccer supremacy. Throughout this tournament, there have been close calls, blowouts, and questionable calls by FIFA referees. Nonetheless, I enjoyed every minute of the action.

I have been a follower of the World Cup since 1994. That was when the United States hosted this event. Like the current World Cup in South Africa, the 1994 World Cup had some amazing action too!! Speaking of 1994 and South Africa, that nation was going through a major change back then. This change made a major impact around the world. That was when Nelson Mandela became the first black President of South Africa. Before this historic event, the country was plagued with apartheid for many decades.

From 1948 to 1994, apartheid was the main law in South Africa. This meant that the whole nation was segregated between races. This also allowed the white minority to take control of the land. Throughout these years, there were mountains of injustice that happened in this nation. Many people that stood against this type of law were either imprisoned or killed.

Throughout the apartheid years, many sporting organizations banned South Africa from competing against any other nations. For instance, the United Nations banned South Africa from 7 Summer Olympic games (from 1964 to 1988) and 8 Winter Olympic games (1964 to 1992). The apartheid laws also kept South Africa from playing in the World Cup as FIFA banned them from 7 World Cup Tournaments (from 1964 to 1990). In addition, they were even banned from their own continental soccer tournament – The African Cup of Nations from 1959 to 1992. They were also banned from international play in other sporting competitions.

In 1990, when F.W. de Klerk realized the economic and social damage that was being done by these nefarious laws, he decided to take steps in repeal apartheid in South Africa. Within the next four years, the apartheid laws were fading until they no longer existed. As these laws were finally eradicated from South Africa, the international community decided to open their doors to the nation. They were able to do business with other nations and were also able to compete in many international competitions – which include the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

And now South Africa is hosting their first major international tournament via the 2010 FIFA World Cup. I wonder what could be next – possibly the Summer Olympic games?

Whether it involves one nation or one person, a closed mind often leads to closed door results. These closed doors will affect people one way or another. It can affect them financially, spiritually, psychologically, and physically. The unfortunate part about this is that the people that practice these closed mind philosophies are unable to see the overall picture.

While it may be best to try and tell them to open up their minds, all we can do is hope they do it themselves. All it takes is for someone to think that this way is not working AND there has got to be a better way. When one can realize that, then the doors will start to open. If only the whole world can adopt this thought.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I