Former Barcelona star Ronaldinho: 'It is great to be involved with Football for Peace as it contributes to peace by uniting people'
London was bestowed upon the award for being a City for Peace by Football for Peace (FfP), a United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) which aims to unite people and communities through football.
The award ceremony took place at the inaugural Football for Peace ball on 17th November 2017. Football for Peace’s Birmingham campaign was supported by His Royal Highness Prince William.
Also present on the occasion was former Brazil and Barcelona striker Ronaldinho who described being an ambassador for Football for Peace as ‘an honour’ while speaking to The Drum.
He said: “I am very proud to be here as a brand ambassador for Football for Peace. In my life I never thought I would be honoured in such a way. Words are not enough to describe how I feel to be part of this project – to me, its not even a project – its a legacy.”
Ronaldinho had his portrait done by internationally renowned artist Lincoln Townley, which was auctioned at the ball.
Ronaldinho added: “I am honoured to receive the art piece which will make a difference to many children facing marginalisation in London. It is great to be involved in a movement which contributes to peace by uniting, educating and promoting friendships between people”.
The Drum also spoke with Townley to find out why Football for Peace is important and why did he donate such a stunning piece of art.
Townley said: “I was commissioned to put together one of my icon portraits. In this case it was Ronaldinho, a huge football icon. I think that its very important for a charity to have high communication levels. Auctioned for money, but more than that, awareness with Ronaldinho behind an image which depicts him as an icon.”
Sports minister Tracey Crouch said: “We must commend the incredible work Football for Peace have undertaken, it is in line with the governments strategy and we are fully supportive of the initiative in using football diplomacy in bringing communities together both in the UK and globally”
Source: Marketing