Rudiger's emotional vacation

German defender Antonio Rudiger took advantage of the year-end holidays to return to his mother's homeland, Sierra Leone (Africa).

Antonio Rudiger (center) poses for a photo with people with disabilities and the visually impaired - Photo: Marca

German defender Antonio Rudiger used his year-end holidays to carry out humanitarian programs helping vulnerable communities in Freetown and Kono district (Sierra Leone, Africa) through initiatives of the Antonio Rudiger charity foundation he established.

This is Rudiger's third charity visit to Sierra Leone. And it's not just a PR stunt. It's practical work, Rudiger says: "Trips like this give me more energy than any vacation anywhere else."

During this charity visit, Rudiger organized a party for 200 people with disabilities in Sierra Leone. Among them were those who are blind, deaf, and physically disabled, as well as students from the Freetow School for the Deaf and Blind.

At the party, Rudiger spent hours interacting directly with attendees, listening to their stories, and providing direct material and emotional support.

"I may be Muslim. But for me, this isn't a religious issue, it's a humanitarian one. Christmas is a time for love. Sharing a meal with those in need means a great deal to me."

"That day was truly moving. Many people felt forgotten. But I wanted them to know they were seen and that they were important," Rudiger confided.

During his time in Freetown, Rudiger also spent time meeting with athletes with disabilities and emphasizing the role of sport in social inclusion.

Meanwhile, in eastern Sierra Leone, a charity founded by Antonio Rudiger has supported more than 350 young players in local academies and grassroots leagues in Kono County. They received complete playing kits, new balls, and training equipment.

The Antonio Rudiger Foundation has also donated a large quantity of medical supplies to Kono Government Hospital, with the aim of strengthening basic healthcare in one of the most disadvantaged areas of the country.

This action aligns with the foundation's global strategy – focusing on health, education , youth empowerment, and the inclusion of people with disabilities.

The Sierra Leone government also donated a 4-acre plot of land to the Antonio Rudiger Foundation to build a community center for the future learning, education, and development of young people.

Before leaving Sierra Leone, Rudiger said: "Every time I come here, I learn something new. I will continue to return, not only to contribute but also to grow even more."

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ky-nghi-cam-xuc-cua-rudiger-20260103063825006.htm