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tribune news network
doha
Two-time FIFA World Cup winner Cafu says Generation Amazing, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy's (SC) flagship corporate social responsibility programme, is playing a key role in changing the lives of children from disadvantaged communities.
During a recent tour of the SC's Legacy Pavilion in Doha, the Brazil legend spokes of the similarities between Generation Amazing and the Cafu Foundation an initiative he founded to support youngsters from marginalised communities in his home town of Jardim Irene, in Sao Paulo.
"Generation Amazing and the Cafu Foundation share the same vision, mission and objectives," said Cafu, who captained Brazil to success at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
"Sport in general, and football in particular, play a major role in achieving social inclusion, and Generation Amazing, like my own foundation, is aiming to achieve this through special projects. We want to reduce social and economic disparity among children and provide new opportunities for young people to have a better life through football."
Launched in 2010 during Qatar's bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Generation Amazing uses football for development initiatives to address social issues in countries with an identified need, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Through the construction of community football pitches, the delivery of comprehensive football for development training and the involvement of young people, the programme reaches some of the world's most excluded people, especially those experiencing high levels of deprivation. It also promotes sustainable behaviours among young people in Qatar and across the region.
Generation Amazing first interacted with the Cafu Foundation during the 2014 FIFA World Cup when its ambassadors from across Asia met their counterparts from Brazil. The youngsters took part in various events, including a friendly football match, with was won by the Generation Amazing team.
During the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Cafu visited the Qatar Olympic Committee booth which was set up to showcase the culture and legacy of the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts.
During this visit, Cafu went on to discuss the links between Qatar and Brazil, as well as Generation Amazing and the Cafu Foundation.
"The relationship is very important for the beautiful cultural exchange between our two countries," said Cafu."It is most important to give back to your neighbourhood, country or region through football. As a professional footballer, I was away for many years but I established the Cafu Foundation after my retirement to give children new opportunities. I am happy that I am able to help others through football."
Cafu, the most capped Brazil international of all time with 142 appearances, also praised Qatar's hosting plan.
"It is marvellous to witness the wonderful transformation of the country through the ongoing mega projects related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup," said Cafu."I am confident the tournament will be an impressive experience for players and fans."
