
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
Rome (FAO) – As part of celebrations for World Food Week, Hunger Run 2012 will take place on Sunday 21 October 2012 starting at 10:00 am. The event, formerly known as the Run for Food race, has been renamed to emphasize the Rome-based agencies common goal of eradicating hunger.
Geneva (UNOSDP) – The London 2012 Olympic Games came to an end yesterday and are already widely lauded as an overall success, with plenty of historic moments that will stay fresh in the minds of many for years to come. But beyond the stadiums, courts and fields where sporting excellence prevailed, the event offered the opportunity to help advance the human development agenda.
Rome (WFP) – Few people grasp the importance of good nutrition as well as Olympic Athletes. No matter how talented, they can’t give their best without it. Here are four renowned Olympic athletes who say nutrition is just as important to children, especially those who risk not getting enough.
(WFP) – To celebrate the 2012 Olympics and mark its 50th anniversary, WFP’s London office has launched – together with Crossrail* – an inspirational exhibition of photos in the capital, showing children from the developing world playing games.
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.


World Tourism Organization