The recent earthquake in Haiti resulted in the death of over 200,000 people and has also rendered more than three million people homeless. It has led to a nightmarish situation in the poorest country of the Western Hemisphere. In order to lend a helping hand to the victims of this disaster over 80 soccer greats of all times from around 17 countries played a charity match in Lisbon. The match was played at Luz stadium with tickets costing 10 euros each.
The Seventh edition of the tournament called the “Match Against the Poverty” saw Zinedine Zidane of France gearing up against Brazil’s Ronaldo Luis Nazario to raise money for the global effort of eradicating poverty. The tournament is organized by the United Nations Development Programme. Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General was all praise for the relief efforts and sporting world for the solidarity that they have shown during such troubled times. The message of the UN Secretary General was delivered by Wilfried Lemke, the special advisor of Ban and he agreed that this year’s match was indeed more significant as its proceeds would help the Haitians who need help.
The United Nations appreciated the help that has been offered by the star players as this is least that could be done for the people of a country who have lost everything. Ban also urged the people through his message to remember the victims of the attack that took place in Pakistan and Angola. He requested the world of sports and its fans to contribute in the efforts of United Nations who are helping the people of Haiti to get over the disaster and rebuild a new life.
