On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: a leather football and a pump!
We’re counting down to Christmas with the 12 Days of UNICEF where UNICEF ambassadors and champions post daily blog entries about the difference UNICEF Inspired Gifts are making in the lives of many children around the world.
I have played football all my life and it means a lot to me. In my job, I meet a lot of kids from all different walks of life and I know the difference that playing sports in general and football in particular can make. I am delighted to part of the Unicef Christmas appeal. I hope in some small way that I can help bring football to those children for whom sports, and even play, is often a distant dream.
19-year-old Mwanamisi Ali from Kenya was forced to leave school at the age of 15 when her father died. “Leaving school left me isolated from my friends. Football changed that.” Mwanamisi got to know her community as she started travelling for football games, and her family started going to her games to cheer for her. She also learned about HIV/AIDS, something she previously did not know about, during after-practice discussions with her friends and coach.
A child’s play is serious business. Play and sport form a solid foundation for a life of learning, and are essential for physical, mental, psychological and social development.
Leo Bertos, Wellington Phoenix player and UNICEF Champion
"I'm a UNICEF supporter, and I'd love you to join me."
One Trackback
[...] In this country, UNICEF NZ worked with the Wellington Phoenix to raise money for the Samoa tsunami relief effort. Wellington Phoenix player, Leo Bertos, has also blogged about the important role sport plays in chil…. [...]