FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2009

Media Contact:
Emily Bergantino; Malaria No More
646-884-7419; 646-673-3011
emily.bergantino@malarianomore.org

FC BARCELONA HIGHLIGHTS WORLD MALARIA DAY AT APRIL 22 GAME

Raises awarness through "More Than a Club: Kick it to malaria" program

with Malaria No More

NEW YORK, NY — During its match against Seville on April 22nd, FC Barcelona is helping raise awareness for the fight against malaria and World Malaria Day on April 25th. FC Barcelona is a partner with the non-profit organization Malaria No More in the “More Than A Club: Kick it to Malaria” program, which works to mobilize the international football community to support global efforts to end malaria deaths in Africa. 

At Wednesday’s match, the team will come onto the field in “More Than A Club” t-shirts, including FC Barcelona and Malaria No More logos, to show their support for ending deaths from the preventable and treatable disease. The stadium’s large screens will include messaging about malaria awareness and how every individual can help. The winner of last year’s charity tournament in New York City to launch the partnership, Chris Schoenfield, will be in attendance at Camp Nou as a special thank you from the team.

“Fighting malaria, like playing football, is a team effort,” said FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta. “We are proud to team up with Malaria No More for the “More Than a Club: Kick it to Malaria” partnership and help the world end malaria deaths by 2015.”

FC Barcelona has been very active in the fight against malaria. In March, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta and player Seydou Keita traveled to Mali, Keita’s native country, to distribute mosquito nets raised through the “More Than A Club: Kick it to Malaria” partnership. 1,000 nets were provided to children at the FC Barcelona Foundation’s new XICS Center in the capital city of Bamako.

“Growing up in Mali, it was difficult to access to a mosquito net,” said player Seydou Keita. “Now, I am able to help deliver nets to kids in need throughout Africa to protect themselves from malaria and spend more time on the football field.”

To bolster these efforts, Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Sports en Español are each donating one bed net for every goal scored on select match telecasts during the 2008-09 football season.

About Malaria No More
Malaria No More is determined to end malaria deaths in Africa—and we’re rallying the world to get it done. We use breakthrough communications, global advocacy and smart investments to help us reach our goal: providing universal access to malaria interventions by the end of 2010 and ending deaths by 2015. Every 30 seconds a child dies from malaria, but a simple net can save lives. Find out how you can help at www.MalariaNoMore.org.