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Seedorf in Dubai

The next time you score a goal you could be reaching out to support children in Africa.

  • By Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter
  • Published: 00:04 May 30, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Duane Fonseca/Gulf News
  • Dutch international and AC Milan man Clarence Seedorf is in Dubai to spread the awareness as the ambassador of the 'Goal 4 Africa' global aid campaign.

Dubai: The next time you score a goal you could be reaching out to support children in Africa.

Dutch international and AC Milan star Clarence Seedorf is in Dubai to spread the awareness as the ambassador of the 'Goal 4 Africa' global aid campaign.

"Dubai and its leaders have a vision and I am here to see if we can all be part of this vision," Seedorf told Gulf News.

The 'Goal 4 Africa' global foundation works on a very simple principle: donate an amount every time a goal is scored, be it in an amateur competition in your neighbourhood or at the international level.

"So the next time your son or your nephew scores a goal, all you need to do is to make a donation via the internet to the 'Goal 4 Africa' fund," said Seedorf.

"You can make every goal count for the children of Africa. All we need is the awareness and the will to help."

Education

"And with an estimated 165 million goals scored all over the world each year, the 'Goal 4 Africa' fund stands to benefit from the exercise and support the cause," the Dutchman added. The funds will be utilised for education through sport and social development projects in Africa. The project has been inspired by Nelson Mandela's dream of 'education for all - all for education'. It will be centred around Mandela's 90th birthday [on July 18] and the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa. "This will be a two-year programme that will kick-start with the friendly game of some of the top soccer stars at the Allianz Arena on July 12 and conclude with the final of the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa," Seedorf said. As the first global ambassador of this unique drive, Seedorf was pleased to see that 23 countries from the Middle East have already signed to broadcast the friendly game on July 12. The legendary Pele and Michel Platini have been invited to do the kick-off for the July 12 game. "We are still awaiting a favourable response from them," Seedorf said.

The Dutchman will be going to Japan in a couple of weeks to attend the farewell game for Hidetoshi Nakata. "I will use this visit to spread the awareness of our drive in Japan and the surrounding countries. This exercise is not about the best players, but about making a difference," Seedorf said.

For a cause: Kaka, Drogba confirmed

The July 12 initiative of 'Goal 4 Africa' has already attracted some of the best names in the world of soccer including Brazilian Kaka and Didier Drogba of Chelsea and Ivory Coast. "They are quite eager to come and play in the match to lend their support to the cause," stated Goal 4 Africa ambassador Clarence Seedorf. Others who have also shown their willingness to be part of the unique venture are Fabio Cannavaro, Gattusso, Michael Essien, Sergio Ramos and Adebayor. Even Indian captain Baichung Bhutia has contacted the organisers seeking permission to be part of the July 12 match at the Allianz Arena in Germany.

Which global issue, in your opinion, should be given greater attention? Why? Do you think more celebrities should support social causes? What do you think would be the outcome of such endorsements? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com

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