A match for Japan: All proceeds from tomorrow's S-League clash will be for victims of the earthquake

Source

by Shamir Osman
04:46 AM Mar 16, 2011 Great Eastern-Yeo's S-League 2011

Albirex Niigata vs Etoile FC

Jurong East Stadium, tomorrow,7.30pm

SINGAPORE - They are thankful that their loved ones are safe, but the devastation that has struck their home country has seen sombre faces all around Albirex Niigata headquarters at Jurong East Stadium over the last few days.

Struck by the biggest earthquake in Japan's history last Friday, the country was then hit by a powerful tsunami, which has now threatened their nuclear reactors.

In a bid to do their part for their stricken countrymen, the Japanese side that has plied its trade in the S-League since 2004 have set the wheels in motion to raise funds for the victims back home.

Speaking to MediaCorp yesterday, Albirex Niigata vice-chairman Koh Mui Tee said: "All the proceeds from this Thursday's game against Etoile FC at Jurong East will go towards helping the people of Japan."

Albirex will channel proceeds from the match to Civic Force, a Japanese non-governmental organisation that deals in disaster relief.

Albirex's main sponsors Canon will set up a booth at the 2,700-capacity stadium and sell match-day photos at S$1 a piece, with proceeds also going to Civic Force.

Tickets for the match will be priced at S$6 (adult) and S$2 (concession).

MediaCorp understands the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) will waive the 7 per cent levy imposed on a club's collection from matches for this particular game, ensuring Albirex raise as much as possible tomorrow.

Koh revealed that Albirex are also in discussion with the Singapore Red Cross to arrange for donation boxes to be placed around the stadium.

Said the Football Association of Singapore in a statement last night: "FAS are saddened by the recent tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan. We plan to do our part by organising a charity match involving Albirex Niigata to help raise funds for the victims," the statement said.

While parent club Albirex Niigata will not see any action indefinitely after this year's J-League was postponed in the wake of the tragedy, Koh said: "The players' and staff's family in Japan are safe and the club remains 100-per-cent committed to participating in the S-League."