As in previous years, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and two of its Goodwill Ambassadors, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo, organized a match to support the Millennium Development Goals, which aim to reduce poverty and improve living standards worldwide by 2015.
This year, Olympiacos hosted the event and invited over 50 football players from teams around the world to participate in a star-studded game, which was broadcast live in more than 30 countries.
“It is important to show solidarity with those affected by extreme poverty,” Zidane said in the press conference preceding the match. “We cannot allow the people of Haiti and Pakistan to suffer in silence. Through this game, we hope to show the world that we stand by them.”
Ronaldo added, “I am truly inspired by the fact that, despite the economic crisis in Greece, the people of this great country are showing solidarity with the world’s poor. I am truly impressed that tonight’s game is sold out.”
Stephan Dujarric, Director of Communications for the UNDP, said that sports can be a powerful tool that can bring about positive results for millions of people. “Through sports, we can unite people in a common effort to create a world without poverty, where everyone on the planet can live with dignity.”
Half of the proceeds from this year’s match will go toward supporting the recovery of more than 20 million people affected by the earthquake in Haiti in January and the floods that devastated Pakistan from July onwards.
The owner of Olympiacos, Mr. Evangelos Marinakis, said that his team would donate its share to Argo, the association of sailors with children with special needs, as well as to the homeless and needy in Piraeus.
“Although our country is in a period of economic uncertainty and we are going through a very difficult time, we are all working together to build a vision of hope for our children. This is the vision and values of Olympiacos and the reason we decided to host this match,” Mr. Marinakis said.
