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The Ball 2002 is kicked over the Great Wall of China on its way to Korea & Japan

Xian, Beijing, Weihai, Korea

December 13th, 2012 by

The Ball bounces from Xian through Tiananmen Square to the Chinese coast and onwards to Korea.

Waiting at Xian train station

December 13th, 2012 by

One of us stays with The Ball at all times as we prepare to leave for Beijing.

The Ball is stolen!

December 13th, 2012 by

Yes, we very nearly lost The Ball in Xian. Our worst nightmare narrowly avoided.

Terracotta Warrior On!

December 13th, 2012 by

As we move onwards into China proper, we wonder what kind of defensive tactics the terracotta warriors will use to try and stop us getting through.

A game at a secret location

December 13th, 2012 by

After many attempts to play a game of football with the monks, we arrange to play at a secret location in the grasslands.

A game at the Tibetan middle school

December 13th, 2012 by

At the Tibetan middle school, where we hope to play with some monks, but find that there are problems with that.

Rob introduces the game at the school

December 13th, 2012 by

We had no idea what to expect from Gonpo’s advert.

Advertising for a game in Xiahe

December 13th, 2012 by

Chris goes to see our Tibetan manager Gonpo, who is trying to organise a game for us.

Monk on!

December 13th, 2012 by

Our second day at the monastery produces our first game.

Arrival in Xiahe

December 13th, 2012 by

First impressions as The Ball arrives at the famous Tibetan monastery.

The Ball 2018 left England on 25th March 2018 and travelled to the World Cup in Russia.

The Ball 2014 kicked off from England on 9th Jan 2014 and headed to the World Cup in Brazil.

The Ball 2010 left England on 24th Jan 2010 headed to the Opening Ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Ball 2006 travelled from London to the Opening Ceremony in Munich, Germany.

The Ball 2002 was carried 7000 miles across Europe and Asia to the World Cup finals in Korea & Japan.