One heart for a wounded world
EXCEPT in basketball, there are no known virus victims in other sports. Thank God.
While we continue to pray for the quick recovery, if not complete safety, from Covid-19 of NBA greats Kevin Durant, Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, we also must extend our deepest gratitude to Roger Federer and Gregory O’Connor.
Almost buried in the din of wailing and teeth-rattling because of this global virus scourge is the extra-generous help from Federer and O’Connor.
Federer, the greatest tennis player ever with his all-time record of 20 Grand Slams tucked under his belt, has donated $1 million for Covid19 relief in his home country of Switzerland.
As if on cue, O’Connor mimicked Federer’s awesome shot for humanity.
Considered as the bad boy of martial arts and the one willing knockout charade of Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a farcical boxing bout only a while back, O’Connor likewise tossed in $1 million for Ireland’s fight against this vicious virus.
Let’s all raise a glass to both dudes, whose personalities are a complete contrast but whose hearts are one in healing a wounded world.
We know there could be more athletes out there doing the same. We salute them, as well.
Closer to home, Manny Pacquiao, the only Filipino billionaire-athlete we’ve ever had, is doing his own bit of charity.
We don’t know how much he has pitched in already for the COVID-19 cause but just days back, he donated 50,000 face masks and was instrumental in seeking more aid from his friend Jack Ma, the Chinese billionaire who owns Alibaba.
Pacquiao is now on home quarantine himself after being in close contact with his fellow Senator Koko Pimentel, a virus positive, in a social gathering.
Let’s pray that our boxing legend doesn’t get knocked down even as we rejoice over the news that Rep. Eric Yap’s tests proved negative after being earlier declared positive for COVID-19.
With God’s grace, only Pacquiao remains the only Filipino athlete listed as PUM (person under monitoring).
May Pacquiao be the last.