When he is not wearing his Chicago Bulls Jersey in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Spanish basketball superstar Pau Gasol is hands on in creating public initiatives to promote children’s rights through sports and social inclusion activities.
Together with his brother Marc, with the support of the Gasol Foundation, Pau is passionate about promoting healthy habits through sports because he believes it teaches respect, effort and teamwork to kids thus providing the fundamentals for a healthy society. That’s why UNICEF has been grateful to have Pau as one of its Ambassador.
“I know well the consequences for children who lack access to adequate nutrition and healthy habits,” said Pau, ambassador of the UNICEF Spanish Committee since 2003, “And I also know how sports help children who have suffered wars and other terrible situations. Through our foundation, together with UNICEF, we will support initiatives to promote health and protection of children.”
Recently, Pau Gasol congratulates the Philippines, UNICEF and humanitarian agencies for their efforts in helping children and families affected by Typhoon Haiyan (local name: Yolanda). However, much more needs to be done one year after the typhoon.”
Pau Gasol message for the Philippines
One of the key challenges facing Filipino children today is the effect of disasters on their well-being. Close to six million children were affected when the country experienced Super Typhoon Yolanda, the biggest typhoon in history.
UNICEF Ambassador Pau Gasol tells the story of Michael, a boy affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, and calls on others to lend their voices to children affected by emergencies around the world.
A photo exhibit titled “Through the eyes of children: Stories of hope and resilience in Tacloban” will be launched to commemorate the one year anniversary of the typhoon on November 6, 2014 in Tacloban City. UNICEF photographer Giacomo Pirozzi uses a method that teaches children living in post-disaster situations to voice their experience and emotions through the lens — paving the way to healing, self-discovery and social participation.
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