Dunga honoured as new FIFA/SOS ambassador

Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro is the largest football stadium in the world, so it was an appropriate venue to honour Dunga, one of the best footballers of his generation. Before a large print and television media contingent, Dunga expressed his appreciation for the work of SOS Children's Villages and appealed to Brazilians to support the 6 villages for 2006 campaign.

Accompanying Dunga at the ceremony were boys and girls from SOS Children's Villages Jacarepaguá and Pedra Bonita in Rio de Janeiro. For the children, it was an unforgettable experience to see their football idol in person. Dunga emphasised that world class football players are just normal people who have fulfilled their dreams through extraordinary effort and dedication. He encouraged the SOS children to follow their dreams and to work hard to achieve them.

Dunga is Brazil's sixth "FIFA for SOS Children's Villages" ambassador, joining countrymen Jorginho and Juninho Pernambucano, among others. When asked why he decided to become a FIFA/SOS ambassador, he answered that as a footballer, he gained riches, fame and many opportunities from the sport and wanted to give something back and enable others to have opportunities in their lives.

"In Brazil I have several charitable projects; for example, a cancer hospital. So working with SOS Children's Villages was a natural extension of this work and enables me to help other people have a better chance in life," he said. He also praised his own family for supporting and encouraging him. "Of course, my family was very important during my career. You are never alone. They always provided support and love, which helped me to stay focused."