World soccer star Ronaldo has been visiting anti-poverty projects in the West Bank in his capacity as Goodwill Ambassador for UNDP
On Monday 16 May 2005, Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo received a warm welcome in the West Bank and Israel, where he was visiting in his capacity as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The trip was a chance for him to take a first-hand look at UNDP youth and anti-poverty projects in the occupied Palestinian territory and to answer an invitation from the Peres Peace Centre in Israel.
Ronaldo first called at the office of the Palestinian Authority's Prime Minister, Ahmad Qurai, where he was met by dozens of admirers chanting his name and wearing Brazilian soccer shirts bearing the number 9. Mr. Qurai told the press that Ronaldo's visit was important for the Palestinian people.
Ronaldo visited several UNDP anti-poverty projects. He went to the "Football Workshops", which have been created to promote sport as a forum for teaching leadership, confidence, and discipline, based on core principles of tolerance, cooperation, and respect. He also opened the new Centre for Disadvantaged Youth, to be named after him. This is an educational and vocational training centre designed to empower youngsters in difficulty and help them integrate into the community.
Ronaldo also attended a ceremony in his honour at the Palestinian Palace of Culture, a building financed by the UNDP. His message to the crowd that greeted him was one of peace and support: "I am happy to see you happy and optimistic and I hope the peace process will continue," he said.
Ronaldo then moved on to Israel at the invitation of the Peres Peace Centre, founded by former Prime Minister and present Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres. In the Tel Aviv suburb of Herziliya, Ronaldo attended a tournament between mixed teams of young Israelis and Palestinians, organised by the "Twinned Peace Soccer Schools" project. Ronaldo was soon surrounded by hundreds of young footballers. After the tournament, he presented outstanding players with medals.
"We love Ronaldo," said 12-year-old Mahmud Abu Ghosh from Tulkarem in the West Bank. "We play together and we know each other; it's easier to make peace when we meet face to face."
After this unique experience, Ronaldo said he was "happy to be able to work for peace, in Ramallah and in Herzliya".
