Sporting Stars Spread Holiday cheer at Santa Casa da Misericórdia
In the spirit of the holiday season, Sporting CP footballers Conrad Harder and João Simões dedicated their free time to bringing joy to children in need. The duo visited the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa on Friday, participating in a heartwarming initiative organized in collaboration with the Fundação Sporting.
Harder,the Danish forward,emphasized the significance of the visit,stating,”Christmas is a special time of year,and it was wonderful to be here.Sharing love and reminding these children that there is goodness in the world and happiness is attainable is truly fulfilling.At Sporting, we consider ourselves a large family, and it’s important to extend that warmth and support to everyone.”
The players engaged enthusiastically with the children,playing games and showcasing their football skills. Simões, a midfielder who has started in the last three matches for Sporting, echoed Harder’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia’s work in providing opportunities and support to vulnerable children.
Inês Sêco, Executive Coordinator of the Fundação Sporting, underscored the organization’s commitment to spreading holiday cheer, referencing their motto ”Família há só duas” (There’s only one family) and “Na distância somos presença” (Even at a distance, we are present). She explained that the Fundação Sporting regularly supports various causes, and this year, they chose to focus on families in need during the Christmas season.
The visit to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia was a testament to the Sporting CP’s dedication to social duty and their commitment to making a positive impact on the community,especially during the holiday season.
sporting Lisbon Stars Channel Christmas Spirit: An Interview with João Simões
Welcome back, sports fans! Today, we have a truly special guest, João Simões, the talented midfielder making waves for Sporting CP. joão, welcome to the show.
João: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
Moderator: Now, João, I wanted to chat about something that warmed the hearts of football fans everywhere – your recent visit to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa alongside your teammate Conrad Harder, where you spread holiday cheer to children in need. What inspired you both to take part in this initiative?
João: It’s always important to remember that we are privileged to play this gorgeous game, and with that privilege comes a duty to give back.christmas is a time for joy and togetherness, and we felt it was crucial to share that spirit with children who might be facing some challenges. Seeing their faces light up when we played games and showed them some tricks was truly heartwarming.
Moderator: The article highlighted Sporting CP’s motto, “família há só duas” or “There’s only one family”. Do you feel like this initiative exemplifies the club’s values,extending that sense of family beyond the pitch?
João: Absolutely. Sporting CP is more than just a football club; it’s a community. We’re taught from day one to support each othre, to care for our teammates and fans, and to be active members of society. Initiatives like this demonstrate that commitment in action, showing that family extends beyond the stadium walls.
Moderator: Conrad Harder mentioned the importance of reminding these children that ”there is goodness in the world and happiness is attainable.” Do you think that’s especially crucial during these times, when things can feel quite uncertain for many?
João: Without a doubt. We can all use a reminder of hope and kindness, especially during challenging times. I hope that our visit brought a message of positivity and showed these kids that even small gestures can make a world of difference.
Moderator: It’s inspiring to see footballers using their platform to make a difference. What message would you give to other athletes who might be looking for ways to give back to their communities?
João: Start small. Find a cause you’re passionate about and get involved. It might very well be anything from volunteering at a local charity to visiting a children’s hospital. Even a little act of kindness can spark a ripple effect and inspire others to do the same.
Moderator: Well said, João. I think that’s a message we could all take to heart.
Fans, what are your thoughts? Do you think it’s critically important for footballers to engage in community initiatives? Is there a particular cause you’d like to see more athletes support? Share your thoughts in the comments below – let’s keep the conversation going!
