Despite losing a recent celebrity charity match at Old Trafford 4-3 on penalties, Usain Bolt and his PUMA World XI turned up big winners after charity raised from the event counted in the millions.
Bolt, who scored in the penalty shootout after the teams played to an enthralling draw, was possibly the biggest drawcard for the game that included a number of celebrities and former footballers.
The draw was big as UNICEF was able to raise a record-breaking £5,540,259 from the event.
Soccer Aid for Unicef, as the event is known, is an original pro-celebrity charity football match founded in 2003, that this year featured stars like Sir Mo Farah, Robbie Williams, Gordon Ramsay and Damien Lewis plus footballing legends including Eric Cantona, Clarence Seedorf, Jaap Stam, Edwin Van Der Sar and Patrick Kluivert.
“We were delighted with the success of Soccer Aid for Unicef this year,” said Kenneth Shepherd, director of Soccer Aid Productions.
“We’ve had record-breaking fundraising results and an exciting game in front of a sold-out Old Trafford. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of partners, especially PUMA, who have embraced the project and been invaluable to our success,” he said.
Since 2003, Soccer Aid has raised £24 million, but never had the event brought in as much as the day Bolt led the World XI team onto the pitch.
Source: Paul-Andre Walker
www.sports24ghana.com
