RIO DE JANEIRO: Sixteen talented street children from Caracol Favela in the Complexo da Penha, Rio de Janeiro, yesterday took on a team of international football legends in a surprise football match at Qatar Olympic Committee’s (QOC) Bayt Qatar.
The youngsters were joined by Brazil’s World Cup winning captain Cafu and played against all-stars Zico, Trezeguet, Karembeu, Dunga, Petkovi?, Felipe, Assuncao, Lucio and E Marcelo Travares.
The stars were secretly waiting within the courtyard of Bayt Qatar which was transformed from a traditional Qatari souk into a football pitch overnight.
Organised by QOC and supported by Ooredoo to raise awareness about ‘Save the Dream’, the official charity of Doha-based International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), the Ooredoo Legends Match was created to celebrate and spread the true spirit of the Olympics to all communities in Rio, especially children from disadvantaged areas.
H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President, QOC said: ‘The QOC has come to Brazil for the Olympics with a simple ambition to share our passion for sport and our culture with the world.
“It is an ambition that has no boundaries, borders or limits, so this specific event is very important to us as we want to reach out and engage all communities, especially the next generation.
“In Brazil, football connects to communities, creates lasting friendship and inspires people in a way that only sport can. We hope this experience will live long in the memories of all who were part of this special occasion and help children realise their dreams.”
The children showcased their skills to the legends and crowd which included their friends and family watching the 3 on 3 mini tournament.
Two-time World Cup winner and Brazilian legend Cafu said: ‘Surprising the kids on the bus was such an incredible moment. It was really touching to see the excitement in their eyes.
“I can only hope the children enjoyed the day as much as we did as being around people who share your love of the game and who have such energy to play is very rewarding.
“This is one day the children will never forget and I’m sure it’s what they’ll remember most about the Olympics taking place in Rio. I really hope it encourages them to follow their dreams. Every child should share that opportunity.”
After signing shirts, autographs and posing for selfies with the kids and their friends and family, the event ended with a message of goodwill and support to Brazil’s greatest living sportsman, Pele. Players and children were pictured alongside a simple message – ‘Get well soon Pele. We love you.’
Muhammaed bin Henzab, President, ICSS, expressed pride for having the programme in Bayt Qatar at Rio 2016. Henzab also expressed gratitude to H E Sheikh Joaan for support to ‘Save the Dream’ initiative and thanked Ooredoo. He praised the impressive high professional and organisational level, which reflected the progress Qatar has reached in every domain, especially in the field of sport. The event was captured on an inspiring film to be released by QOC.
