Sheffield United support China earthquake appeal | Sponsorship

Sheffield United support China earthquake appeal

Sunday, 13 July 2008

The Blades will play in shirts featuring the British Red Cross China Earthquake appeal slogan when the first-team play their 2008 pre-season games - and new signing Sun Jihai was the first to get his hands on one.

It is part of the continued backing from United for the victims of the earthquake which killed nearly 70,000 people in the Sichuan province where the United-owned Chinese Premier League side Chengdu Blades are based.

United's pre-season kicks-off on Monday (14th July) when they play Hungarian sister club Ferencvaros before moving on to play Belgian side KVK Tienen on 16th July and Dutch team Helmond Sport on 19th July.

They return home for fixtures against Scunthorpe United 26th July, Bury 29th July and Huddersfield Town 2nd August.

Kevin McCabe, chairman of Sheffield United, said: "By giving the space on the front of the shirts to the British Red Cross, we will not only raise a significant amount of funds for the appeal, but also help raise its profile across the continent. This is being done with the blessing of our sponsors.

"This is the first time United have made such a gesture to a global charity and continues the club's support for China and our sister club Chengdu Blades."

Staff from Chengdu Blades became aid relief volunteers in May to help local people recover from the biggest disaster to hit China for 30 years.

Club directors Tony Xu and Ma Mingyu, along with 15 members of staff, visited the earthquake epicentre to distribute tents, clothes, umbrellas, water and food, along with more than 5,000 Chengdu Blades and Sheffield United shirts.

Chengdu Blades have also arranged a number of friendly games in support of the earthquake appeal. They will play Premier League giants Chelsea in the Macau National Stadium on 26th July, before embarking on a tour of the UK, including a game against the Blades at Sheffield FC's stadium on 6th August.

The England v Germany legends game at Bramall Lane on 7th August is also supporting the China Earthquake appeal.

Comments

Add New