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.
Last week we brought to you the best of the Premier League , including the #PlayersTogether initiative and clubs’ incredible acts of support for key workers and the most vulnerable. This week we have expanded our horizons to include acts of kindness from across the sports industry as a whole.
Rugby
With the government advising those most at risk of coronavirus to stay at home for at least 12 weeks, Premiership rugby union side Wasps launched a scheme to help those feeling isolated. The movement – named #MakeThatCall – has been backed by Premiership Rugby and encourages people to connect.
@matt9dawson supports the #MakeThatCall campaign https://t.co/bVkYFy0IQF
— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) April 13, 2020
Cricket
England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has raised more than £65,000 for two London hospitals after auctioning the famous light blue shirt he wore in the 2019 World Cup final win over New Zealand.
To bid on my World Cup shirt in aid of the @RBHCharity go to … https://t.co/9E4vuoVaPn
— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) March 31, 2020
Elsewhere, Stuart Broad and Nottinghamshire team-mate Harry Gurney have re-opened one of the pubs they co-own near Melton Mowbray. It will be used as a takeaway and village shop, with staff getting paid and a free delivery service for over-70s and NHS workers in the local area.
Cricket stars Stuart Broad & Harry Gurney have provided a great service to Upper Broughton villagers despite having to close their pub. Update here on why they're now having to close the 'shop & takeaway' too:https://t.co/RqwyfkTLgt@tapandrunCW @StuartBroad8 @gurneyhf #Melton pic.twitter.com/3cOFNmkcBs
— Melton Times (@meltontimes) March 31, 2020
Tennis
Roger Federer has donated $1m Swiss Francs to families in Switzerland affected by the spread of Covid-19. The global tennis star has also been regularly posting on his social media channels updating fans on how he is training at home and what they can do to stay healthy.
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) March 25, 2020
Darts
Darting legends Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld put on a special ‘Darts From Home’ match to raise money for the NHS charity, Heroes. Playing from the comfort of their own living rooms, Paddy Power streamed the event and donated £1,000 for each of 15 180s that were hit, bringing the total raised to £15,000. Van Barneveld clinched the match 7-6, after coming back from 6-3 down to defeat his old rival Taylor.
What a Fantastic game last night boys! 15-180’s! £15k given by @paddypower for @HelpThemHelpUs_ 👏👏 👏@TargetDarts @NEXUS_target_jp @PhilTaylor @Raybar180 pic.twitter.com/6JwIsKUghb
— Garry Plummer (@Garryplummer) April 10, 2020
Formula 1
Formula 1 is leading the way in bringing fans the next best thing to live sport. Esport racing has hit the headlines, with a number of current F1 stars battling it out with a host of other sporting celebrities on the F1 2019 game. Races are streamed on the Formula 1 YouTube Channel, Twitch and Sky Sports F1 to keep fans engaged and entertained at home. While F1 drivers try and get one over their fellow stars, other sporting greats like Chris Hoy and Ben Stokes have tried their hand in the heated online races.
Let's do this! Join us for the #VirtualGP 🤩#F1Esports #RaceFromHome
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 5, 2020
Football
Premier League clubs continue to play their part in the fight against coronavirus. Leicester, Norwich, Watford and Tottenham are among the clubs who have opened up facilities for the National Health Service. Each team’s endless list of support is a true representation of people coming together to help those most in need.
#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.