UK Parliamentary football club donates to SOS Village

Tema, Feb. 11, GNA - The United Kingdom Parliamentary Club has presented a cheque of 15,000 pounds to the Tema SOS Children's Village to support its sporting activities.

The Club has in addition donated 20 footballs and stationery to the children.

Mr Clive Betts, Chairman of the Club who made the presentation, said the team apart from playing football to promote peace among nations, also engage professional teams to raise funds for charity. He noted that the money presented to SOS was derived from such activities, adding that it was necessary that children are introduced to sports, especially football since it unites people.

Mr Betts commended the Village's mothers and officials for dedicating their lives to the upbringing of children and advised them to encourage the pupils to participate in sports activities.

The National Director of the SOS Children's Villages, Ghana, Mr Kojo Mattah who received the cheque, recalled the cordial relationship between SOS and other Football Associations especially, FIFA. Mr Mattah said apart from FIFA facilitating the building of six SOS Villages worldwide, it also made SOS the official charity of the World Cup tournament held in Germany 2006.

He indicated that the Village recently launched 'Football for Peace and Development' to raise the children's interest in the game since people forget their differences to cheer one team during football matches. The SOS Director stated further that 'football is the only game that has the passion of uniting nations and people'. Mr Mattah assured members of the Club that the money would be used for the development of a play ground for the Village as well as renovation of 10 family houses.

Mr Michael Tsagli, Tema SOS Village Director, in welcoming the Members said in addition to catering for the children at the Village, SOS also supports over 400 families to provide quality education to orphans living with them. He disclosed that two more Villages would be established in Kumasi and Tamale in the nearest future to complement the work of the existing two Villages in the country. The MPs toured the 10 family houses, the kindergarten, primary and JHS department as well as the football park of the Village.