Sports stars and clubs across the world continue to help their local communities – plus find new ways to amuse themselves – during the coronavirus pandemic.
Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the best examples from April 9.
Football
UEFA’s Foundation for Children announced it would support and contribute to the Common Goal COVID-19 Response Fund, helping the world’s poorest communities cope. Juan Mata, the first player to sign up for Common Goal, was set to launch the ‘live match’ initiative on Instagram Live alongside Serge Gnabry and Mats Hummels. The platform allows players to use a 90-minute period they would have been using in matches to interact with fans.
Manchester United announced new measures to support the NHS, delivering more than 3,500 club gifts to health workers on Wednesday and putting their 16-vehicle fleet on standby for courier work. The Manchester United Foundation is working with the children of key workers and medical equipment has been donated to Salford Royal. Old Trafford has been placed on a reserve list as a possible temporary blood donation centre.
Hi everyone,We have been contacted by local boy Harry Maguire and we have some nice news to share. The Manchester… Posted by Mosborough Community Forum on Thursday, April 9, 2020
Meanwhile, United skipper Harry Maguire was making a difference in his hometown. The England international offered to supply a food package of everyday essentials to the elderly (70 and over) in Mosborough district.
We can share the amazing news that we have just received a donation of £19,000 to our hospital charity from Danny Rose. We are utterly blown away by his generosity and kindness of spirit – the man is a credit to Doncaster, his club and, most importantly, his family @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/1RysUBwydx — DBTH Trust (@DBH_NHSFT) April 9, 2020
Maguire’s England team-mate Danny Rose donated £19,000 to the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Nottingham Forest’s Joe Lolley also made a kind donation to a local charity looking to help out during Covid-19.
Wolves players are making a donation to the Wolverhampton NHS Trust to aid the fight against coronavirus. Captain Conor Coady said: “All of us in the squad, the boss and the staff wanted to do something significant to help.”
The IFA announced it would be helping fans cope with the lack of live action by showing a replay of Northern Ireland’s dramatic victory over Hungary in the first match of Euro 2016 qualifying. Late goals from Kyle Lafferty and Steven Davis turned a likely defeat into victory, the first step towards what would become their first tournament appearance in 30 years.
Tennis
Andy Murray sent a message of thanks to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where he had a recent scan. He praised staff for their hard work, dedication and sacrifice and revealed he has made a donation to the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust.
Play is suspended, but we cheer for a different kind of champion. Narrated by @rogerfederer.#StayHomeSaveLives | #ClapForCarers | #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/76pBLWOrRr — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) April 9, 2020
Eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer addressed fans across the globe, asking them to show appreciation for new heroes this summer: those at the heart of the pandemic response.
In a moving letter published by the All-England Club and narrated by Federer, the Swiss said: “As we say thank you for your passion and support, we remind ourselves that countless champions will be crowned. As frontline workers across the globe compete for us, we cheer for them.”
Rugby Union
Wasps fly-half Jimmy Gopperth called on people to call their family and friends over the Easter weekend, using technology to have a ‘virtual lunch’. Easter is normally the time when families get together. It’s going to be tough,” he told PA.
Bath Rugby hosted the first of its weekly ‘Swift Half Pub Quiz’ events on Facebook. The free competition, kicking off at 5pm on Thursday, consisted of six rounds including sport, music and local knowledge with prizes from sponsors Bath Ales and Thatchers Cider.
Cricket
🎂 Today is a special day for Junior Bear Azlan Kumar who is celebrating his 10th birthday.
Here’s a quick message from the Bears…
Have a great day!
🐻#YouBears pic.twitter.com/atmj5uI1MH
— Birmingham Bears 🏏 (@BearsT20) April 9, 2020
Four Warwickshire players came together, via video editing, to wish 10-year-old Bears member Azlan Kumar a happy 10th birthday. Will Rhodes, Alex Thompson, Adam Hose and Rob Yates all recorded messages for the young fan, wishing him well on his big day.
Surrey spinner Amar Virdi revealed he was volunteering with Nishkam Swat, a humanitarian aid collective, to provide hot meals to the homeless, vulnerable and elderly in his area.
