Friday, December 31, 2004

Footballers donate to disaster fund


I can't stop watching CNN's coverage of the tsunami, it's like a drug. My eyes just wide open at the images before me, my head empty. Last night I was out for dinner with some friends and one of the girls raised her glass to remember the dead and missing but it's not enough is it?

Helplessness is what I feel, although the following wise words from New York Addick have made me see things clearer "whilst it puts our passion for football in its proper perspective, it also illustrates the shortness of life and the importance of celebrating its wonder since it can be wiped out so tragically. If something as ultimately as pointless as football can help us do so, we shouldn't feel guilty about it."

It is heartwarming to see that Charlton have doubled the £50,000 donation pledged by Premiership clubs. "I think a lot of people feel helpless, but by contributing to the disaster relief fund everyone can play their part in saving further lives and helping the region to recover. That's certainly what we feel at Charlton, and that is what has prompted the further donation by the directors, players and staff." said Matt Holland today.

Players at Man U, Man City, Everton and even Dwight Yorke have also further contributed.

Sportsmen and women in the world of tennis and cricket have also been contributing. Swedish tennis player Jonas Bjorkman, along with his doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi are donating their earnings from next week's Indian Open. Sweden, whose people are great travellers and can be found all over the Far East have lost as many as 1,000 nationals in the disaster.

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