Athletes should give back – Samuda
Published:Monday | March 30, 2020 | 12:26 AMRobert Bailey/Gleaner Writer
Jamaica Olympic Association president Christopher Samuda says athletes should consider joining the fight against the coronavirus pandemic by giving back to their communities.
“Certainly, if you have the resources, then that will be a very commendable move, on the part of an athlete, to give back to those who are in need now,” Samuda told The Gleaner.
“It develops, also, a humanitarian spirit in the athlete. If you have been fortunate enough to be blessed with resources, then it is only perhaps right that you should give back in times of need to those who really are in need.
“In times of crisis, we have to rely on the human spirit and the humanity in us, and it is in these times that we can demonstrate the humanity admirably by giving those who are less fortunate.”
Two-time Olympic 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, basketballer Samardo Samuels, and footballer Kemar Lawrence are some of Jamaica’s athletes who have recently carried out charitable activities across the country.
“I know that a lot of persons are under a lot of challenges as it regards to the pandemic, and certainly, there are those who wish to give but who cannot because of the particular circumstances in which they find themselves,” Samuda said.
Tennis star Roger Federer and his wife, Mirka, announced last week that they would be donating US$1 million (J$133 million) to help the most vulnerable families in Switzerland impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
Football stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have each donated US$1.1 million (J$146 million) to their respective countries, Portugal and Argentina.