By Lisa Cosgrove, MD
FMA Immediate Past President
Every four years, one round object seems to unite the world.
When the world arrived at our doorstep for the FIFA World Cup – visitors bringing different languages, cultures and traditions – it was my job as a FIFA volunteer to show them the beating heart and unbeatable hospitality of Florida and Miami.
I wasn’t just scanning badges or pointing people toward the match screens; I was helping to build a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Whether it was helping a family from a different country find the perfect spot in the Fan Fest or keeping the energy high when the games became intense, I was part of the festival’s pulse.
Soccer has this incredible ability to break down barriers and unite us all. Over the past few weeks, I wore the volunteer uniform with pride and made friends with other volunteers from across the globe.
My favorite part of the experience was the kids’ playground, where I got to play soccer with children from Japan, Bolivia, Argentina, Czechoslovakia, Germany, France, England, Colombia, and other countries. The kids had a can-do attitude as they played with “the world” and made new friends.
I’d do it again in a heartbeat to see the world at its best!