Russian billionaire spends hundreds of thousands of dollars on children to watch World Cup
A large sum of money raised by Roman Abramovich and other benefactors has helped 30 seriously ill children travel to Russia to watch football.
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Billionaire Roman Abramovich at an event in early 2018. Photo:AFP. |
For 30 Israeli children with serious illnesses, the dream of experiencing the 2018 World Cup has come true thanks to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and a group of donors from the Fulfilling Dreams charity, according toCNN.
Abramovich himself has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to help disadvantaged children watch the biggest football tournament on the planet. The donation is enough to buy plane tickets from Israel to Russia, as well as accommodation for a week for the children. The group of children will watch three World Cup matches during this time.
"This is the best time of my life. I've never been abroad and football is my life," said Polina Feldman, 9, who has cerebral palsy. The Israeli children watched Mexico beat defending champions Germany on June 17, are set to watch Poland-Senegal today and will be present for Portugal-Morocco on June 20.
"I can't believe I'm here, going to the World Cup is my biggest dream. Everyone around is so nice and asking to take pictures with us, like we're famous stars," Zidane Abu, a young man who also has cerebral palsy, revealed.
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Polina Feldman (left) before the Mexico - Germany match. Photo:CNN. |
This is the third tournament in a row that Abramovich has donated to Fulfilling Dreams, having previously helped groups of children travel to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and Euro 2016 in France.
Abramovich is Russia's 11th richest man with a net worth of $10.8 billion. The Chelsea football club owner learned about the Fulfilling Dreams fund through his friend, former Chelsea coach Avram Grant.
"The fact that this year's World Cup is being held in Russia makes it even more special. We hope the children will return home with great memories. The charity has received help from the Jewish community in Moscow," said Abramovich's spokesman.