Impact defender Gabriel Gervais and former player and builder Lloyd Barker will be UNICEF champions for this campaign. In an effort to raise awareness on the right to play, both guest speakers will visit elementary institutions and high schools to promote the importance of sport, play and leisure in the development and health of children in developing countries. Emphasis will also be given to the importance of physical activity, as well as the values of respect, initiative-taking and cooperation, which are associated to play and sport.
“We are very proud of this newly formed association with UNICEF and of supporting a program that favours the right to play,” said Vice President of the Montreal Impact and Saputo Stadium, Richard Legendre. “Soccer being the most internationally practiced sport, there is a natural connection between this initiative and our club’s mission, to the extent that we are conscious of the transformative power of sports in the lives of children. This partnership will furthermore give a global dimension to our child aid mandate.”
“UNICEF Quebec is very happy to team up with the Montreal Impact to promote the right to play. We hope that just like the children that our organization protects, this partnership will keep on growing,” declared Director of UNICEF Quebec, Lili-Anna Peresa.
Gervais and Barker will visit a number of institutions of the Greater Montreal Area school boards throughout the school year. This initiative is part of the Impact’s various commitments in favour of children, including the stay-in-school initiative All the Way with the Impact, in collaboration with four Montreal region school boards.
The initiative is part of UNICEF’s broader global campaign in favour of child development and recovery in regions affected by conflict and natural disasters. Note that the international soccer community actively supports UNICEF in their various global campaigns, among which first division European clubs Manchester United and Barcelona FC.
Note that UNICEF will be present at Saputo Stadium this Wednesday, August 20 for the Impact home game against Atlanta to raise awareness on children’s causes and collect donations.
ABOUT UNICEF
UNICEF is the world’s leader for children, working in 156 countries and territories to save, protect and enhance the lives of girls and boys. UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, promotes quality basic education, protects children from violence, exploitation and AIDS, and is the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing nations. A global leader in emergencies with six decades of on-the-ground experience, UNICEF saves and rebuilds children’s lives in regions affected by natural disasters and conflict. UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, schools, associations and governments.
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Sources :
Montreal Impact
514-328-3668 (Ext. 227 or 234)
UNICEF Quebec
Sarah Houde, 514 288 5134 (Ext. 8424)
