A glittering array of stellar football names are ready to assist children in need on Saturday, when they take part in the joint UEFA-United Nations Match for Solidarity in Geneva.
Ahead of the special charity match at the Stade de Genève (kick-off 16.00 CET), footballing legends Luís Figo, Ronaldinho and Christian Karembeu joined eminent Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti in expressing their honour and pleasure at being able to support children with disabilities through the power and joy of football.
The Match for Solidarity features two star-studded line-ups, captained by Figo and Ronaldinho.
Proceeds from the match, as well as from a charity dinner and digital football auction, will go to the UEFA Foundation for Children. Funds will be used to finance humanitarian and development projects to help children with disabilities at local and global levels.
“At this match, we are celebrating the values that we have learned from the moment that we started to play football,” said Figo. “Diversity, teamwork, supporting people in need.”
“I’m proud to be part of this event and captain one of the teams, and I hope that we can fill the stadium and raise as much funds as we can for this important cause.”
“I’m very happy to be taking part in the match, which features some of the great names in football history,” Ronaldinho added. “I hope that people will enjoy themselves at the game as well.”
The local beneficiary of the Match for Solidarity is Autisme Genève, a non-profit organisation in the Swiss city which came about through an initiative started by parents whose children live with autism spectrum disorders.
Internationally, the funds raised will help support projects in Africa, Asia and South America.
“I feel it’s very important to help people who need that help,” said Ancelotti, “and we’re all delighted to be able to help children in this way. I think it’s an important moment for UEFA and the UEFA Foundation.”
“Thank you to UEFA and the United Nations for coming together to organise this match,” added Karembeu. “[Saturday] will be a chance to show solidarity, and for the people of Geneva to show their generosity. I hope as many people as possible will come to the stadium.”
The Match For Solidarity will be streamed live on UEFA.tv (YouTube) and via the UEFA Foundation for Children Facebook page. Streaming will start 30 minutes prior to the kick-off (15.30 CET).
Tickets priced between CHF 10 and 22 are still available at ticketcorner.ch
In addition, fans who wish to own a unique piece of memorabilia are urged to go to the digital football auction – items open to bids include signed jerseys, balls and unique experiences – donated and offered by clubs and national associations from across Europe. Go to the auction site here.
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