FC Barcelona and UNICEF kick off global alliance

Futbol Club Barcelona, one of the most storied teams in professional soccer, has kicked off a historic alliance with UNICEF benefiting children across the developing world. Under the terms of the partnership – launched at the United Nations in New York on 7 September – FC Barcelona will donate $1.9 million per year to UNICEF over the next five years and will feature the UNICEF logo on its 2006-2007 jersey. This is the first such logo placement in the club’s 107-year history, a highly visible sign of its firm commitment to the alliance. “Barcelona shows us that sports can be a powerful, positive force for children,” said UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman during a news conference announcing the partnership. “The team has opened a door of hope to thousands of children.” Added club President Joan Laporta: “The increasing number of FC Barcelona supporters and fans around the world in the last few years has been spectacular. The club has an obligation to respond to this enormous positive wave. The best way to do so is by using soccer as a tool to bring hope to millions of vulnerable children.” To that end, the FC Barcelona-UNICEF alliance will benefit children across the developing world. During its first year, the joint effort will focus on supporting young people affected by HIV/AIDS in Swaziland, which is believed to have the world’s highest HIV prevalence rate. FC Barcelona already has an extensive philanthropic history. It has committed itself to social, cultural, educational and humanitarian activities in Catalonia and has expanded internationally during the last few years under the motto, ‘More than a club’. The Barcelona partnership comes on the heels of UNICEF’s successful UNITE FOR CHILDREN UNITE FOR PEACE campaign with FIFA, the world governing body of football, during the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Taken together, these initiatives reflect the tremendous potential of football to help save and improve the lives of children in need. For every childHealth, Education, Equality, ProtectionADVANCE HUMANITY UNICEF