Mick Schumacher (centre) – son of Michael – and Sebastian Vettel joke around before kick off. PHOTO/DM.
MAINZ, Germany, July 28 – A number of the world’s best racers have come together to feature in the ‘Champions for Charity’ match, in honour of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher.
Playing in the Coface Arena – home of Bundesliga side FSV Mainz – the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg, Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa, Daniel Ricciardo, Mika Hakkinen, Nico Hulkenberg, Pascal Wehrlein, Timo Glock and Christian Vietoris were some of the drivers present.
Basketball superstar Dirk Nowitzki also featured in the tribute match, alongside popular German footballers of the past and present, Lukas Podolski, Sebastian Kehl, Miroslav Klose, Stefan Reinartz, Arne Friedrich and Simon Rolfes.
While the main focus of the match was Michael Schumacher, and his recovery after suffering a serious skiing accident in 2013, other charities were also partnered such as the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation and BasKIDball.
The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation supports children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the Würzburg region, Germany and all over the world and encourages them to learn through sport and physical activity – in addition to developing social skills.
Under the slogan ‘Green Light for Children’, the charity helps kids to open up in a positive and active environment which will serve them later on in life.
Everybody involved in the match held up a ‘#KeepFightingMichael’ banner ahead of kick off. PHOTO/DM.
‘For many years, Michael initiator and unifying figure of such charity football matches, often in the ranks of the Nazionale Piloti, but also often in Germany, where he played together with Dirk Nowitzki.
The two have immediately understood, therefore, this composition is perfect We are happy that we can offer a real highlight the fans together with Dirk, because we want so thank them for their support. We hope you’ll enjoy this charity match. ‘
BasKIDball, is a programme available for primarily children, of all ages and genders, who want to combine sport with pleasure. Playing together, learning together and life experience are the core ideas of the project.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3711685/Sebastian-Vettel-Nico-Rosberg-Daniel-Ricciardo-headline-sporting-stars-Michael-Schumacher-tribute-match.html
The Dallas Mavericks forward, Nowitzki, chose to look at the lighter side of football as he stepped up to the spot with just over 20 minutes left.
Mimicking Juventus striker Simone Zaza’s disastrous run up and penalty for Italy at Euro 2016 last month, the 6ft 10inch German hilariously blasted the ball over the top of the goal which ensued high fives from almost everyone on the pitch.
