Geneva, Feb 4(ANI): A special UNDP soccer match played by some of the world's top footballers in December 2010 raised over half a million dollars for the ongoing post-disaster reconstruction work in Pakistan and Haiti as well as for disadvantaged communities in Greece.
The organisers- Olympiacos Football Club of Athens and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)- made this announcement after all the proceeds from the ticket sales, broadcast rights, sponsorships and direct donations from the December 14 event were received, costs deducted and the total audited.
"We are delighted by the overwhelming support for the people of Haiti and Pakistan," said UNDP Administrator Helen Clark.
"We are proud that UNDP's 8th Match Against Poverty provides the opportunity for the public to participate in the recovery of countries devastated by horrific disasters. Partnerships like these help the fight against poverty and exclusion," Clark added.
Seventy per cent of the total proceeds (US$540,000) will be donated to Haiti and Pakistan, and the remaining thirty per cent will be donated to Argo, the Navy Union for parents of children with special needs, as well as to the homeless and disadvantaged communities in Piraeus.
"Greek spectators became the real players in this Match," remarked Olympiacos President Evangelos Marinakis, noting that despite the economic crisis in Greece, the "spectators filled the stadium in solidarity with the poor."
For the past eight years, the fund-raising 'Match Against Poverty' has been supported by the Fidiration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
"Every time we get together for this match we can help and make a difference," said UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Zinidine Zidane.
"It is important that we reach out in solidarity with those affected by extreme poverty," echoed UNDP Ambassador and team mate Ronaldo.
"We are very happy with the results of this edition, and we look forward to hearing about the results from the projects in Pakistan and Haiti that will benefit," he added. (ANI)
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