This section will contain material on individual athletes, sports teams & clubs and how they have contributed by helping those affected by the COVID-19 situation.
Content:
Page 1 – Football
Page 2 – Tennis
Page 3 – Formula One
Page 4 – Boxing
Please use the page numbers at the bottom to navigate.
Football
Football is a sport which is played all around the world and has a reach covering all corners of the globe. The financial depth in football is a privilege for those make it and become a professional which has allowed certain players to afford to make contributions towards the battle and against the Corona virus pandemic. Although it should be known that not all footballers will be financially secure during this tough period, such as those playing in the lower leagues, there are still many in a position to help society in the testing situation that we are in now. Here’s a few individuals who should be commended for stepping forward.
England forward Marcus Rashford raises £20 million to provide free meals for school children during COVID-19 pandemic
In an article reported by the sun, check out their article here: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/11328750/marcus-rashford-raises-20m-to-provide-food-for-schoolkids-affected-by-coronavirus-as-tesco-asda-and-co-op-donate/, the young Manchester United striker received a huge response from large supermarkets such as Tesco’s who reportedly donated a staggering £15 million to the cause as well as Asda and Co-op who contributed to the other £5 million.
From a person who knows the struggles himself of children from schools that need the free meals they get at their schools to keep them going with little at offer in their homes, Marcus Rashford wants to make sure that children are still able to get their free food during this corona virus pandemic.
The Mancunian born came through the academy ranks at Manchester United and has already won five trophies at the club despite being only 22 years old.
Rashford has become a fans favourite at his club, Manchester United, with many who are appreciated of his fantastic attitude and the way that he conducts himself in such a mature and considerate manner. This campaign is an example of that.
Neymar appears as anonymous donator of £800,000 for COVID -19 charities
Although donated privately, it turned out that Paris saint Germain forward Neymar Jr was behind the sizeable contribution of around £800,000. This donation was made in name of UNICEF and a solidarity fund back in Brazil.
This was reported by talksport, you can see their article in the link here: https://talksport.com/football/690849/neymar-donation-coronavirus-private/
Neymar became the most expensive footballer ever in 2017 as he made the bold decision to move from Barcelona to PSG for just under £200 million.
Its arguable that some of Neymar’s on field antics have been the cause for criticism of him over the years. However, I think we can all agree that this was a great gesture from his part and will surely help people in need during this global crisis.
Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola both make £1 million donations in aid of battle against the COVID-19 pandemic
Messi and Guardiola on opposing sides during a champions league fixture – Source: Creative Commons
Two men who in the past won major honours together every year at Barcelona both make significant contributions to fight the corona virus. The Barcelona team that Pep managed with Messi as the talisman is often described by many football fans as the best side in club history. Together they managed to win three La Liga titles and two Champions league trophies.
Messi made contributions to hospitals in Barcelona and Argentina while Guardiola also made donations to a foundation in Barcelona at around £1 million each.
Their financial injections will help these medical centres by allowing them to afford new equipment to treat patients more effectively and to help protect the people working there.
Both are showing the impact that sport can have at a difficult time like this and the positive influence that people involved in sport at the highest level can have.
You can view the article published online by the Sun here: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/11248053/lionel-messi-pep-guardiola-barcelona-donation-coronavirus/
Jordan Henderson contacts rival captains in the premier league to create a fund for the NHS
Here we have an article by the Guardian, check it out in this link: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/apr/03/liverpool-jordan-henderson-sets-up-premier-league-coronavirus-fund-for-nhs, which reports that Henderson has been trying to arrange for captains of opposing sides in the Premier League to come together to fight against the corona virus.
Jordan Henderson plans for all Premier League skippers to team up to contribute towards a fund for NHS frontline staff workers as they continue to risk their lives to save others.
This is an example of how the boundaries of sporting rivalries can be quashed in the face of adversity and that in a situation which is bigger than sport this can be made possible. It is going to take a collective effort to beat this virus, no matter what side people are on.
Even as a Manchester United fan myself, this is definitely something that I am delighted to hopefully see happen and I applaud Henderson for taking great initiative.
Aaron Ramsey makes two £10,000 donations to NHS organisations
Although these days Ramsey has gone off to Italy to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, he still manages to help support the medical workers back in his home country Wales.
Two NHS organisations, the ‘Aneurin Bevan University Helath Board’ as well as the ‘Cardiff & Vale Health charity’, announced on twitter that they had received £10,000 donations from the Welsh International who’s currently on fifty – eight caps. This was reported by the BBC, here’s the original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52076364
The ex – Arsenal attacking midfielder made a name for himself on his premier league debut with the Gunners in 2009 and since then became a consistent selection in the side.
Despite have many injuries during his career he has gone on to achieve lots of success winning three FA cups and was a key part of the Welsh team that reached the semi – finals at the 2016 Euro’s.
Its good to see that Ramsey still knows his roots and has been able to give back and help out in this desperate period.
For more news and updates on when football is returning to action, look at our sports news page here: https://coronasportsaid.sport.blog/sports-news/
Continue onto the next pages for more sports.
CoronaSports Aid 