UNITED NATIONS / USA: SOCCER / FOOTBALL - Brazil's Ronaldinho receives United Nations humanitarian award

International soccer players can be more recognisable than politicians and that's what Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho and the United Nations are hoping for. The United Nations on Friday (August 12) appointed the Barcelona and Brazil midfielder and FIFA World Player of the Year its official spokesperson for 'Sport for Development and Peace'. Ronaldinho will tour Latin America and the Caribbean using his status to try to help eliminate poverty. He told a news conference at the United Nations on Friday: "I would like to say that I am extremely honoured to be able to help the United Nations in its programme of sports and development. I'm very, very happy that through sports, a universal language, I can pass along everything I've learned through my soccer experience. Soccer has given me a wonderful life and I think it's my obligation to show the children that through sports they can realise their dreams." Also on Friday, Ronaldinho received the 'Champion of Health' award from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for his efforts to help increase vaccination and to reduce youth violence. Ronaldinho has taken part in public service announcements promoting vaccine awareness and used his appeal to soccer fans worldwide to encourage peace and harmony. He said at the PAHO ceremony: "I'll be brief, but I'll speak from the heart. I cannot be more sincere. I want to thank with all my heart and say that these awards are what motivate me to continue to do the things that I do, to continue to be a role model to children in all the world. Again, I would like to thank with all my heart. I hope to be able to help for many years to come." One of PAHO's video messages features a cartoon likeness of Ronaldinho playing soccer. The soccer star said he has always wanted to help children. "I have no words to express my happiness. When you're talking about such important things, to be able to help, to contribute with something, is the best thing. I feel very connected to children, so to be able to send a message about something important means a lot to me. It's the best thing in the world," said Ronaldinho.

ITN Source | August 12, 2006

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