David Beckham gets schooled by kids during hospital visit in Miami
Star athlete loses at soccer (video) game.
David Beckham brightened the mood for children battling cancer last week when he visited a Miami hospital recently to play video games and hallway soccer with the kids.
“Taking their minds off the situation, even if it’s just for a few minutes, is important,” said Beckham, who in January was awarded a Major League Soccer team based in Miami. “It’s important to see them smile and get excited.”
His first stop at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital was the game room, where he played a soccer video game with various patients ranging from ages 5 to 20.
“I lost in the FIFA game — I should be good,” he joked. “I end up pressing every button on the controller; I find it impossible to kick the ball.”
He also stopped to draw with Stefania Tarulla as the 5-yearold played with a coloring book. Later, the twoplayedsomesoccer in the hallway outside her room.
Beckham also visited several patients in their rooms, including 16-year-old Patrick Battle.
The two talked about soccer and a new stadium for the team, Patrick said.
“It was really cool tomeet him, becausewe watch a lot of soccer,” Patrick said. “Hewas a really nice guy as well.”
The British soccer star’s visit was a total surprise tothepatients, Patricksaid. Theyknewsomebody was coming, but they weren’t surewho it would be.
“I think it’s really wonderful that he stopped in to say hi and show support,” Patrick said.