Here at Snack Media we are creating a mini round-up of all the sporting positivity that may
have slipped under the media’s radar during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Whether it be one club’s new innovative idea to keep people entertained at home or a player’s act of support in these unprecedented times, we’ve looked at sport in all four corners of the world to share some good news. This week we are focusing on the best international efforts across the footballing world.
To kick us off, the World Health Organisation, FIFA and the United Nations (UN) have joined
forces to support the #BeActive campaign launched on the UN International day of Sport for
Development and peace (6 April 2020).
The initiative encourages everyone to stay #HealthyAtHome with activities like online exercise classes and playing active video games. The campaign has virtually brought together even the toughest of rivals, like Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos and Barcelona’s Gerard Pique, who encourage everyone to play their part in the fight against Covid-19.
During #COVID19, #BeActive & remain #HeathlyAtHome:
✅Take some online exercise classes
✅Dance
✅Play active video games
✅Jump/skip rope
✅Practise muscle strength & balance training🙏Thank you:@SergioRamos |@3gerardpique@realmadrid |@FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/cDyM3G8B7W
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 6, 2020
Meanwhile, FIFA has also been running its #WorldCupAtHome initiative, which gives fans
the chance to vote for their favourite World Cup matches. FIFA lets fans have their say, then
streams the most popular matches for free on YouTube to help provide fans with their fix of
football. This week’s matches include Germany v Italy from the 2006 edition in Germany
and Argentina v England from 1998 in France.
🇮🇹 Winning @azzurri oust the 2006 hosts
🇦🇷 Roa’s heroics lift @Argentina over England
🏆 The 2002 Final🗣 The fans have spoken! Here’s our next #WorldCupAtHome lineup, featuring a trio of #WorldCup standouts 🔜 pic.twitter.com/mPgqJGlmx7
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) April 21, 2020
Over in Italy, one of the worst affected countries in Europe by Covid-19, AS Roma has led by
example in helping local hospitals deal with the outbreak. Through its Roma Cares
foundation, the club paid for and delivered thousands of face masks and bottles of hand
sanitiser to local hospitals. Furthermore, the club has set up a GoFundMe campaign with all
donations going towards the city’s Lazzaro Spallanzani Hospital.
On Friday the club, in conjunction with Roma Cares, visited hospitals throughout the capital – delivering Easter eggs to the children currently receiving treatment, along with the staff providing it. 💛❤️ #ASRoma pic.twitter.com/UPYUpNToDL
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) April 11, 2020
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) are also shedding light on how footballers can
continue to develop their skills from their back garden. #FAIHomeskills is a FAI approved
home development programme taking fans through the basics from dribbling to shooting.
Challenges are uploaded daily and those participating can send in their results, with many
being shared by the FAI Grassroots Twitter account.
It's Day 1 on #FAIHomeskills
Keith and Pearl help you master the art of dribbling!
Let us know how you get on and we will repost some of the best videos… pic.twitter.com/RFWRipWjZt
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) April 13, 2020
Finally, Barcelona announced on Tuesday they will sell the naming rights to its famous Camp
Nou stadium for one year, with the cub donating all proceeds to help fight against the
Covid-19 pandemic.
Barcelona to sell Nou Camp naming rights to raise money for coronavirus fighthttps://t.co/2Yw2q7StIG
— Indy Football (@IndyFootball) April 23, 2020
#FlyTheFlag
Snack Media have also launched their Fly the Flag campaign, looking to bring the sports
community together to support and donate to Age UK and NHS Charities Together during
these difficult times. See how you can help here.
