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 Center for Peace 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.
Jules Rimet,who organised the first world cup way back in 1930 is known to have said: “Soccer could reinforce the ideals of a permanent and real peace.”
Well, Ronaldo seems to be on the right track… we can’t have a World Cup without a World.
Wish him luck.
Samuel Eto’o is also on the same bandwagon.