Fans of the Olympic Games Urged to Help Protect Children

UNICEF launched Wednesday a global sports initiative to engage people in its work for children.

Sports enthusiasts worldwide can get involved in the Olympic and Paralympic action for free by signing up to Team UNICEF Get Active for Children.

It is a scheme that unlocks a R$5 corporate donation every time participants complete 5km by foot or wheelchair.

Users can also accumulate points by exercising and accomplishing other activities including completing a quiz at the Team UNICEF platform.

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The participant with the highest number of points will win a trip to see UNICEF’s work first-hand in Brazil (international travel is not included).

“We want everyone to get into the sporting spirit and Get Active for Children to help raise vital funds for UNICEF’s work for the world’s most vulnerable children,” said UNICEF representative in Brazil Gary Stahl.

Estimates suggest 30 children and adolescents are murdered every day in Brazil. More than one in three adolescent deaths in the country is a result of murder, compared to one in 20 deaths caused by homicide among the total population.

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For Brazil’s most vulnerable children, exposure to violence and exploitation is commonplace. Major sporting events can put these children at an increased risk of atrocities including sexual abuse and child labour, said UNICEF.

To help prevent and respond to violence against children during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, UNICEF has also launched a new version of Proteja Brasil, an app that enables witnesses and victims to report violence, abuse and exploitation to the authorities. Reports on the time, location and circumstances can be filed online and anonymously.

“Violence, abuse, discrimination and exploitation are a harsh reality for far too many children,” said Stahl. “Proteja Brasil gives everyday people the chance to make it personal and take action to help tackle children’s rights’ violations and get them the help they so desperately need.”

Team UNICEF Get Active for Children was created by UNICEF and Ogilvy and supported by Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) and Save the Dream.

Photo / Video courtesy: UNICEF