CHARITY FOCUS: Athletes and their Foundations

The best athletes in the world have come forth to assist in pursuing some other worthy courses off the field be it a basketball court, tennis court, football pitch, etc. The courses that they are supporting seek to provide some form of assistance to the society in one way or another. It could be to assist the youth to overcome drug addiction and abuse problems, build homes for families that have lost their homes due to calamities etc. The athletes are able to pull other athletes to support them in the pursuit of these matters with better results being realized.

From Sunday to Sunday Sportunes will be shedding light on those athletes that have been able to offer support to the betterment of the human race.

Albert Pujols 

Albert is an American professional baseball first baseman for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of Major League Baseball. When you think of Charity you think of Albert Pujols.



The 33 year old alongside his wife Deidre set up The Pujols Family Foundation, It is a national not-for-profit agency that exists to honor God and strengthen families through works, deeds and examples. Since beginning this foundation in 2005, they have sought to help those living with Down syndrome in America and to improve the lives of the impoverished in the Dominican Republic. Generally they also support people with disabilities and/or life threatening illnesses.



Pujols has taken several trips to the Dominican Republic, by taking supplies as well as a team of doctors and dentists to the poor who need medical care. The Pujols Family Foundation also holds an annual golf tournament to raise money to send dentists to the Dominican Republic



Mission Statement of the foundation

'To live and share our commitment to faith, family and others.'

Vision Statement

'To promote awareness, provide hope and meet tangible needs for families and children who live with Down syndrome. To provide extraordinary experiences for children with disabilities and/or life threatening illnesses. To improve the standard of living and quality of life for impoverished children in the Dominican Republic through education, medical relief and tangible goods.'

Faith

'In the New Testament we are called "to look after orphans and widows in their distress" (James 1:27 NIV). We will live out our faith by improving the standard of living and quality of life for impoverished children and orphans in the Dominican Republic through our outreach to the most impoverished communities and villages. We are currently serving children and families in La Romana, Batey de Las Pajas and Batey Aleman in the Dominican Republic.'


Family

"We did not choose Down syndrome. Down syndrome chose us." As you may know, Albert and Deidre Pujols have a beautiful daughter with Down syndrome. Since this is so close to their hearts, this Foundation is dedicated to the love, care and development of people with Down syndrome and their families. Our goal is to promote awareness, provide hope and create supportive and memorable events for the families and children who live with Down syndrome.'



Others 

'At the core of the Pujols Family Foundation is the belief that every person is special in the sight of God. We will strive to provide extraordinary experiences for people with disabilities and/or life threatening illnesses. We will continue to partner with other charitable organizations to make a difference in the lives of thousands of deserving children and families.'

God bless the real ones