Grassroot Soccer United -- is a youth-led movement to end AIDS in Africa.
Zohn got the idea when he played for Highlanders FC in Zimbabwe in 1999 and 2000 and a close friend died of AIDS. He returned to play in the United States, coached at Farleigh Dickinson University and then appeared on the reality show Survivor, which was filmed in Kenya.
"When I got back from the show I decided to use the money and the little bit of fame that comes with the show to really create change and make an impact in this world," Zohn said.
With a friend, Dr. Tommy Clark, whose father Bobby is the head men's soccer coach at Notre Dame, he started Grassroots Soccer in Zimbabwe in 2002.
"What Grassroot Soccer does is we train professional soccer players and other positive role models for the community about HIV and AIDS and they go to the schools to teach the youth about AIDS prevention and how to make the right choices in life," Zohn said.
Now Grassroot Soccer is in 15 African nations and Zohn said 250,000 kids have graduated from the program. The goal is to have 1 million in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
In order to educate youth in the United States about AIDS prevention, Zohn started dribbling a soccer ball -- he's up to four now, one was lost -- from Boston to Washington. He's 240 miles in on Day 45.
"Going through these small towns where not much goes on people come out on the street cheering you on, pulling over and taking pictures, handing me donations outside their windows," Zohn said. "It's just awesome. The response has been great."
On Thursday in Chinatown, Zohn participated in a charity game featuring members of Hollywood United, founded by actor Anthony LaPaglia. Also playing in the match was former New York Red Bulls midfielder Youri Djorkaeff, former tennis star Yannick Noah, Tony Meola, Heather O'Reilly and Leslie Osbourne.
After the match, Zohn hosted a gala with a live auction. Zohn was hoping for about 300 people. Instead 520 came through the door.
Today, with the help of MLS W.O.R.K.S., Zohn and about two dozen people from MLS headquarters, dribbled down Fifth Avenue.
"It is an honor to be involved with Ethan's cause," said JoAnn Neale, executive vice president of MLS. "MLS W.O.R.K.S. strives to give back to the communities that support our sport and our league, and Ethan is visiting many of our markets on his run. His dedication and passion is something that all young soccer players in this country, and soccer fans around the world, can be proud of."
Zohn was presented with a proclamation claiming today to be Dribble 2008 Day in New York City.
"Besides the fact that its increasing people's awareness about the devastation that AIDS has caused in Africa, it is also highlighting the great work that MLS W.O.R.K.S. has done and we have great respect and admiration for (MLS) Commissioner (Don) Garber," said Andrew Gould of the New York City Sports Commission.
Dribbling through the streets of Manhattan has been the highlight of Zohn's journey, thus far.
"It proves that it's the most popular sport in the world," Zohn said. "We'd be passing to people, nutmegging old women, doing wall passes off a baby stroller. It was fun. Only in New York City."
For further information or to donate, visit grassrootsoccer.org
Dylan Butler is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
