Lovers of the beautiful game, or soccer as we call it here in the United States, have been handed a dream clash by Europe’s soccer governing body, UEFA. In the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, two of the world’s most elegant clubs, defending champions FC Barcelona and English Premiership club Arsenal squared off in a match up that thrilled fans around the world. After dominating the entire match on Wednesday, FC Barcelona let a two goal lead slip away in the final 20 minutes. The final score was a dramatic 2-2 tie. Make sure not to miss the second leg of the series on April 6 because this could be a game of epic proportions.
But, FC Barcelona are still winners after the final whistle was blown. In 2006, FC Barcelona signed an agreement with UNICEF that placed the agency’s logo across the front of its team jerseys, earning the club the distinction of being the first sports team to use its uniforms to advocate for a cause rather than advertise a commercial sponsor.
Beyond agreeing to display the UNICEF logo, the club pledged $5 million to HIV and AIDS programs and it has committed another $3 million over the next three years. Some of that funding will go to Haiti, where families and communities are struggling to rebuild. In addition, the FC Barcelona Foundation, runs educational programs at its stadium, where local schoolchildren learn about fair play, health and education — and gain a solid appreciation of the sport of soccer. Each year, demonstrating its support for children and sport, FC Barcelona hosted 16 boys from Uganda who belong to The Kids League, a UNICEF-supported NGO that uses sport and recreation to bring children together throughout Uganda.
Known for their passing game and inventiveness, Barcelona is devoid of the preoccupation with defense. One of their brilliant young stars, Argentine Lionel Messi, showcased his offensive skills on the field Wednesday but his heart is deeply committed to his newest role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. For decades, Goodwill Ambassadors have helped improve the lives of children and women around the world by creating public awareness of youth issues and helping to mobilize resources for UNICEF. “It is a great honor for FC Barcelona that one of our players, who embodies our club values and played on our youth teams since he was 13, today becomes a global Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF,” said FC Barcelona President Laporta.
Messi will commence his activities as an ambassador with a planned trip to his native Argentina, the home of the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports access to education and health care for vulnerable children. “I know there are a lot of children that have diseases, many that don’t have an education, many that don’t have good nutrition. I am ready to do everything I can to help them in my collaboration with UNICEF,” said the newly minted Goodwill Ambassador.
Photo by Darz Mol via Wikimedia Commons.