The match, which raised in excess of $5 million for charity, was played between a team of celebrities from the entertainment world (in Black) and a team of high-profile Kun Khmer boxers (in white). The entertainers won 2-0. SHS
Over five million dollars was raised for charity at the friendly football match, ‘Together for Charity and the Fight against Drugs’.
More than 30,000 attended the May 1 match, held at the National Olympic Stadium. The event was presided over by Senate president and honorary coach of the Cambodia Football Super Stars Hun Sen, and raised donations for the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospitals, as well as other worthy causes.
Generous members of the public had contributed a total of $5,001,250 in donations as of May 1. Some $500,000 was gifted to the Angkor Children’s Hospital, while an additional $300,000 went to the Japan Heart Children’s Medical Centre and $200,000 was shared with the bereaved families of the 20 soldiers killed in last week’s blast in Kampong Speu province. The remaining $4,001,250 was presented to the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospitals.
Any further funds which are collected will also be handed to the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospitals, according to a social media post by Hun Sen.
Senate president Hun Sen (centre, in blue), waves to the crowd at the packed National Olympic Stadium. SHS
The former prime minister described the friendly match as an important event for solidary, which encourages people to love sports and charity, while avoiding the use of drugs. It also showcased the happiness of the people, who live under the shade of peace, in accordance with the slogan ‘Sports: Live in Peace’, he added.
“The match demonstrated the achievements of peace, political stability and development, and especially the solidarity among our compatriots,” he said.
Hun Sen expressed his thanks for the generosity of all involved, including the celebrities from the worlds of entertainment and Kun Khmer who took part in the match, the organisers, city hall officials, members of the security forces and those who came to watch the game.
The Cambodia football Super Stars, made up of some of the Kingdom’s biggest celebrities from the world of entertainment, defeated a team of famous Kun Khmer boxers 2-0.
Executive director of the Drug Addict Relief Association of Cambodia (DARAC) Meas Sovann lauded the event, describing it as an opportunity to not only generate donations for charity, but to raise public awareness of drug-related issues.
“Sports is linked to the prevention of drug use. Playing sports is a means to reduce drug consumption and plays a part in helping addicts to reduce or quit drug use,” he said.
Sovann noted that the country’s leaders are working hand in hand with local authorities to seek out new strategies to encourage the participation of relevant stakeholders in addressing the issue of drug use in society.
