Nothing gets the emotions soaring like soccer can! If soccer stands for fun, excitement, fair play and team spirit, it also stands for humanitarian causes that aim to uplift the world's poor. Proceeds from special soccer matches and humanitarian programs have been used to teach and raise the standard of living of those less fortunate through soccer, a game that's clearly heart and soul
Soccer Aid
May 2006 saw soccer legend Diego Maradona participate in Soccer Aid, a charity match that raised money for children supported by UNICEF. Maradona once again took centre stage as Argentina's captain in his famous number 10 soccer shirt. 72,000 spectators gathered at Manchester to watch England play against the Rest of the World. The home side comprised of British celebrities like singer Robbie Williams and veterans who once played for England's team such as Paul Gascoigne. Maradona had Brazil's Dunga, Germany's Matthaus and France's Desailly on his team along with the former sprinter Ben Johnson and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. England won 2:1 against the Rest of the World in an exciting match that raised 6 million for the world's children.
Barca with a Cause
FC Barcelona is one of the few teams to consistently refuse a sponsor. But for the first time in their 107 year history, they wore a UNICEF logo on their football jerseys in support of a children's' charity. Barca has pledged 1.5 million euros every year for five years to help poor children with AIDS in developing countries. The first year's installment has gone towards AIDS programs in Swaziland where as many as 40% of adults are infected with the HIV virus that leads to full blown AIDS if not treated on time.
Play Soccer
The Play Soccer program launched by the United Nations Children's Fund engages children through community based soccer activities and educates them about health and social issues. With a focus on the girl child, it has already mobilized communities in Ghana, Zambia, Senegal, Cameroon, Malawi and South Africa. Recognizing the power of soccer as a great leveler, Play Soccer collects funds from various organizations including FIFA to procure basic soccer equipment to kick start the program. It has already managed to touch the lives of 10,000 children
Goals for Girls!
During the 2007 World Cup, UNICEF and FIFA once again got together in support of women's empowerment. This joint campaign used the world's most popular sport to promote gender equality, education and awareness vis--vis female rights. Using the child friendly school model, it offered both genders quality education in a safe environment.
Considering soccer reaches 1 billion people during the World Cup cutting across gender, economic and social barriers, it conveys a universal message of hope and togetherness. For nothing can unite the world more than a little black and white football played by millions and watched by billions It creates bonds of trust and friendship; it drives people to be the best they can be; and being the best one can be is all about being humane and reaching out one's hand
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