In 2013, Richard Swanson, a 42-year-old from Seattle, began an extraordinary journey with a simple but powerful idea: to dribble a soccer ball from Seattle to Brazil. His goal was to raise awareness for the One World Futbol Project, a nonprofit organization that provides ultra-durable soccer balls to children living in underserved communities around the world.
What made Swanson’s mission unique was its symbolism. By traveling with a single soccer ball, he hoped to highlight how sport can connect people across cultures and offer joy, teamwork, and opportunity—especially to children who have very little access to recreational resources.
The journey, however, came to a tragic and unexpected end. Just 250 miles into the planned 10,000-mile trek, while traveling along the Oregon coast, Swanson was involved in a traffic accident and lost his life. The incident abruptly ended a mission driven by compassion, determination, and generosity.
Although the journey was cut short, the message behind it continues to resonate. Swanson’s effort drew attention to a cause that still changes lives today, reminding us how one individual’s passion can inspire global awareness and meaningful action.
His story stands as a quiet reminder of courage, purpose, and the enduring impact of giving back.
