#SkillDonation - UAE Pro League launches new initiative to support fight against coronavirus

Fans challenged to film videos of ball juggling

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES , March 14 – 2020 :- Caio Canedo (no 7 purple) of Al Ain and Omar Abdulrahman (no 21 white) of Al Jazira in action during the Arabian Gulf League football match betweenShow more

The UAE Pro League has launched a new social responsibility initiative to support the country’s fight against the coronavirus.

The campaign, entitled #SkillDonation, is a ten-day challenge that encourages fans to film videos of themselves juggling a football ten times before posting on social media.

The UAE Pro League (UAEPL), who organises the Arabian Gulf League, will then donate Dh100 to The Fund of the United Arab Emirates: Homeland of Humanity for every video posted. The league has called on its 14 professional clubs to get involved in the challenge.

UAEPL chairman Abdulla Naser Al Junaibi said: “These initiatives show the humanitarian side of football.

"It is not just a game, but a noble message. Involving football fans of all ages and nationalities in humanitarian work embodies the spirit of solidarity between the government’s initiatives and people’s responses to them to achieve their objectives."

Al Junaibi praised the UAE authorities for their effort in restricting the spread of the virus, giving special thanks to the medical and healthcare workers who continue to help battle the outbreak.

“We organise this initiative in collaboration with the UAE Red Crescent,” he said. “It is aimed to emphasise the importance of following the authorities’ instructions and staying at home, while maintaining fitness by playing sports and participating in a group effort where the UAEPL donates to The Fund of the United Arab Emirates: Homeland of Humanity.

"So, it is one initiative that serves multiple purposes in the greater interest of the community. I urge everyone to actively participate in this initiative.”

Those posting videos are requested to tag the UAEPL's account, @AGLeague, on social media platforms. Anyone wishing to donate directly to The Fund of the United Arab Emirates: Homeland of Humanity can visit www.emiratesrc.ae/uaehomeland

The 2019/20 Arabian Gulf League was postponed  on March 15, 19 rounds into its season. No date for resumption has been confirmed.