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Movie stars, pop legends and sporting heroes have joined millions of people raising funds for victims of the Asian tsunami disaster by giving cash, organizing concerts and even sporting attractions. Boxing Day’s shocking news and the ensuing sad follow-ups which confirmed more than 150,000 dead and millions homeless left no one untouched. Sir Bob Geldorf, and Life Aid concerts for Ethopia of twenty years ago came to mind, with the release of a new version of ‘We are the World’ by different pop singers from all over, as Cliff Richard, Celine Dion and others continue to give their tangible support for a much needed cause which shook the world.
The sporting fraternity is also playing its part. From the football angle, it is known that FIFA and the Asian confederation have donated 2.2 million euros while FIFA and UEFA are planning a great spectacle in the form of ‘a great match of solidarity’, which will include the world’s best players, on February 15, in Barcelona’s Nou Camp, as a ‘Rijkaard/Periera Selection’ led by Ronaldinho will face the ‘Rest of the World’ selected by Marcello Lippi and Arsene Wenger and captained by Andriy Shevchenko. Expect all the big names to take part and at least a 100,000 gate.
Great responsibility
Such fund raising activities are after all expected, because those involved in sport have a great responsibility. Sport has become very important today, since it can encourage young people to develop important values, such as loyalty, perseverance, friendship, sharing and solidarity. As famous sportsmen and women have become icons and generate great appeal wherever they perform, their attraction could serve an honourable purpose in an effort to raise the sorely needed cash for the millions of victims. Their support has been shown on many occasions where humanitarian assistance was needed. The sporting scene is blessed with a number of millionaires and others whose examples of solidarity put them in a special category. Their generosity with those in need is appreciated and admired by one and all.
Generous world stars
One of these is undoubtedly Andriy Shevchenko, the 28-year old Ukranian international footballer of Italian club AC Milan who was voted as Europe’s best footballer during 2004 by France Football. On New Year’s eve after training with his club at Milanello, he flew to Kiev with his manager Fabio Parisi and drove 120 kms to Pereaslov where the kids at Internat orphanage were anxiously waiting for his arrival as he had promised them a visit. He kept his promise and much to the delight of all, he presented tracksuits, tops and other material to each and everyone. He then returned to the capital and committed himself with the mayor of Kiev Oleksandr Omelchenko to build and maintain not only a sport centre but a complete hostel “with all the needed facilities and general comforts, so that these youngsters can study, play and grow without sadness. I was lucky to be born in a good family, I enjoy what I am doing, which gives me fame and money but want to do something for the orphans of Kiev. They deserve our attention.”
Many world stars have donated money and memorabilia to be auctioned for the young Asia victims, to raise funds for infrastructure, like the much needed hospitals, schools and orphanages.
A great ambassador
Seven times Formula One world champ German ace driver Michael Schumacher was in his Norwegian villa in Trysil Norway when he heard the sad news that he lost a friend and his two kids because of the tsunami. Through his manager Willi Weber he announced his donation of $10m for the victims. However this is not the first time that Schumacher has donated sums for worthy causes. Last November he presented Unesco with a cheque for $1.125m and earlier in the year he collected more than 2.5 millions euros for the same organisation’s 200 projects in favour of children in need.
Actually Schumacher has also been a benefactor for worthy causes, since winning his first Formula 3 races which gave him 32,000 euros. Peanuts when compared to what he earns today! But he still decided to give some money for charity. Unesco’s ambassador for sport and education since 2002, Schumacher’s name has been associated with impressive generosity, as when he donated 127,000 euros which were given to him by the owners of the publication Bunte for the exclusive rights for his wedding photos. He built a school in Dakar, a clinic for those badly injured during the Bosnian civil war, and a ‘Palace for the Poor’ in Lima for children in the streets, besides other noble gestures that will remain anonymous.
Other famous sport champions have given the world fresh hope because of their foundations. One of these is undoubtedly the Texan cyclist Lance Armstrong, who won six consecutive Tour de France titles, after recovering from testacular cancer which needed two operations and five cycles of chemotherapy. Armstrong is the man behind the Foundation for Cancer research in the US. There are others who embark on similar noble missions by constructing centres, supplying rations to starved children and ensuring that those who badly need simple basics are given a chance in life.
One of the greatest athletes of all times whose contribution towards the rights, respect and equality of the blacks is certainly Cassius Clay or as he became known Mohammed Ali. He will always be remembered for his brilliance inside the ring and his missions to bring tolerance and understanding amongst diverse people, communities and nations. Ali has donated millions of dollars to a variety of individuals and organisations transcending race and class barriers. Stricken with Parkinson’s disease since 1984, Ali hasn’t let his illness stop him in his continuous humanitarian endeavours.
Never has a sports figure inspired so many people in so many different directions. He has shown that a black man can stand oppression and became a role model for millions.
These are only a few of the many sportsmen and women who have made a strong contribution to the world through noble acts and generosity. An example of one of the real values of sport.
These are the darlings of sport.
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