The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. Each year on average, WFP feeds more than 90 million people in more than 70 countries. In emergencies, WFP gets food to where it is needed, saving the lives of victims of war, civil conflict and natural disasters. After the cause of an emergency has passed, WFP uses food to help communities rebuild their shattered lives. WFP is part of the United Nations system and is voluntarily funded.
WFP uses sport Ambassadors with their high profile status to put the spotlight on the plight of hunger and what WFP is doing to alleviate it. This helps to build a broad base of public support for WFP’s work, to brand WFP and to underpin the agency's fundraising efforts at all levels.
1. 'Fill the Cup' campaign
Brazilian football star and former FIFA World Player of the Year, Kaká is calling attention to the plight of the world's hungry. On the occasion of the World Cup 2010, he kicked off a coaching campaign for the World Food Programme aimed at teaching young people the importance of fighting hunger and the best tactics to help the one billion people on earth who don’t have enough to eat.
The campaign, which is supported by a Public Service Announcement, shows Kaká talking to young players from the sidelines about how to win the match against hunger. According to Kaká, the first line of defense is to ensure that the nearly 66 million children who go hungry every day get a meal in school. WFP’s 'Fill the Cup' campaign, co-launched by Kaká himself in 2008, aims to raise funds and awareness for WFP programmes to feed hungry children in schools around the developing world.
To watch the video and join Kaka in the campaign click here
2. Cricket Against Hunger
Cricket Against Hunger is the partnership between the United Nations World Food Programme and the England and Wales Cricket Board.
It draws on their combined strength and the immense pulling power of the England cricket team to raise awareness about global hunger and the work that can be done to eradicate it. When the England team is on tour (e.g. in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh), WFP facilitates meetings between the cricketers and young children who depend on food aid to meet their nutritional requirements at school or in the communities where they live. In this way, the stars of the England team are fast becoming advocates for the poor and the hungry.
To join the England Cricket Team in Helping Pakistan click here
Paul Tergat
Date of birth: June 17, 1969
Nationality: Kenyan
Sport: Marathon
Date of appointment: January 2004
Personal website: http://www.paul-tergat.net/
Quote: “As sports men and women, it is important for all of us to use our privileged positions to raise awareness about the challenges that some of the less fortunate among us face around the world.”
Ricardo Kaká
Status: Ambassador Against Hunger
Date of birth: April 22, 1982
Nationality: Brazilian
Sport: Football
Date of appointment: November 2004
Personal website: http://www.ricardo-kaka.com
Quote: “What if the world's next soccer star never makes it to the pitch, because hunger weakened his body and stole his future? [...] I believe that hunger is unacceptable - that's why I support WFP.”
Ronaldinho Gaúcho
Date of birth: March 21, 1980
Nationality: Brazilian
Sport: Football
Date of appointment: August 2005
Personal website: http://www.ronaldinhogaucho.com
Quote: "I was lucky - soccer rescued my family from poverty. Now I want to help WFP rescue other kids who aren't so fortunate."
Jessica Watson
Date of Birth: May 18, 1993
Nationality: Australian
Sport: Sailing/adventure
Date of Appointment: May 2011
Personal Website: http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/index.htm
Quote: “It’s a real honour to be working with WFP and to join the fight against child hunger. Children cannot learn on an empty stomach and by providing nutritious daily meals, WFP is helping to build a better future for children, their families and their communities..."
Li Ning
Date of Birth: March 10, 1963
Nationality: Chinese
Sport: Gymnastic
Date of Appointment:
Quote: “As an athlete, I know how important good nutrition is for healthy growth. As a father, I know that children need all our care and support. I’m really touched by the work that WFP is doing here for kids affected by HIV."
Mr. Lionello Boscardi
Coordinator Celebrity Relations & Special Event
E-mail: lionello.boscardi(at)wfp.org
Dublin (WFP) – Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand is set to boost support for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) following the extension of the successful Tackle Hunger campaign by the International Rugby Board (IRB) and WFP.
Vientiane, Laos (WFP) -- Record-breaking sailor and Young Australian of the Year Jessica Watson today announced her support for the United Nations World Food Programme's (WFP) School Meals Programme in Laos, in her role as a Youth Representative for WFP.
Canberra, Australia (WFP) - The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today announced the appointment of round-the-world sailor and Young Australian of the Year, Jessica Watson, as Youth Representative to support WFP in the global fight against hunger.
New York – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon revealed himself to be a big fan of rugby as he helped launch its premier competition today, extolling the physical and emotional health benefits that playing such sports can bring. In a ceremony at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Mr. Ban kicked off the 2011 Rugby World Cup, which will take place at various cities and towns around New Zealand in September and October this year.
Brazilian soccer sensation and the youngest Ambassador Against Hunger for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Kaká is appealing to the millions set to tune into this summer’s World Cup to take a stand against hunger.
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