The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) raised US$100,000 to
support a UNICEF-assisted project which provides support to China's
AIDS orphans on the AFC's Fifth Anniversary Gala Thursday
night.
At an auction at the gala conducted by Christie's, more than 12
lots of football mementos such as jerseys, pictures and autographed
footballs were sold.
More than 370 entrepreneurs and celebrities from AFC and China
Football Association were invited who spent nearly US$50 million in
table sales of the gala and raised another US$50 million?in
the auction supporting UNICEF's project for children against AIDS
in China.
"Football is a very good way to mobilize children. UNICEF will
use this fund in many areas," said Christian Voumard, UNICEF
representative to China, noting that the project will help around
78,000 orphans in China.
"We concentrate our work on the prevention of transmission of
HIV from mother to child on the orphans and young people," said
Voumard.
Peter Velappan, secretary-general of AFC, said that the AFC has
had "a wonderful cooperation" with UNICEF. As social and moral
organizations, both have obligations to pay attention to the
children who unfortunately were not born with good education and
health care, he said.
"The aim of football is to score a goal and the goal of UNICEF
is to improve children's lives," Roger Moore, UNICEF Goodwill
ambassador said at the gala.
The British movie star, who is well known for his portrayal of
007 James Bond, is visiting China for the first time while on a
world tour promoting UNICEF's programs.
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(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2004)
