Scolari, Maniche and Madaíl become FIFA/SOS ambassadors
13/06/2006
SOS Children has gained the support of three more big names from the world of Portuguese football to add to its team of over 100 FIFA/SOS Ambassadors. Coach Luiz Filipe Scolari, Chelsea midfielder Maniche and Football Federation President Gilberto Madaíl have all pledged to use their influence in football to help children around the world.
Portugal's national football team is on the rise, having scored the most goals of any team in the qualifying rounds for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and their support of “6 villages for 2006” is a great boost to the campaign.
Dr Madaíl, Scolari and Maniche join an already impressive list, including their fellow Portuguese internationals Pauleta, Beto and Nuno Gomes.
Scolari said of his appointment, "I am happy for the distinction of becoming a FIFA/SOS ambassador. It shows that football is important not only to Portugal and to the rest of the world, but also for children."
Dr Madaíl made a donation to SOS Children's Villages on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, and said he felt very privileged to be "one of the few football executives in the world" to be honoured as an FIFA/SOS Ambassador.
Scolari, Maniche and Dr Madaíl were presented with their FIFA/SOS Ambassador's certificates at a special ceremony held in the children's village in Bicesse, Portugal, where Maniche spent the afternoon signing autographs and having fun with the children. He promised them that he would be a dedicated FIFA/SOS ambassador, saying, "I will be available to SOS Children's Villages in whatever way they need me, that is my goal. I will work to help these children and this worthwhile campaign in one form or another."