“I always said that I want to be so visible, so famous, that I could help those in the world who are in need,” says Clarence.

There is a big step between wanting to help and finding the right vehicle to do. Clarence has done what it takes to follow his vision, his childhood dream, and has created Champions for Children, a non-profit foundation established to protect and support the conditions in which children and young people grow up around the world

Born from the heart of a young man who couldn’t shake the image of suffering he saw on the TV screen, Clarence applied every ounce of his discipline and determination to the venture, harnessing his athlete’s dedication to improvement and success, in order to overcome the various initial hurdles that setting up his own foundation entailed.

With a mission to support one of the most vulnerable components of society and the key to the world’s future – namely children - the foundation provides a concrete framework for projects and initiatives around the world, in developing countries, in inner cities and elsewhere. In particular, Champions for Children gives aid to those countries where natural disaster, war or economic hardship have made it difficult for young people to develop with dignity.

The projects undertaken by Champions for Children are inspired by the recognition of fundamental rights for every child, and characterized by their focus on education rather than merely on emergency assistance. Construction of schools, sports centers and facilities where children can acquire an education and develop their potential are all key focal points for Champions. Funds are earmarked for projects that provide sanitary assistance, education, sports education, schooling, professional (vocational) formation, long-distance adoption and educational scholarships.

Fundraising is not just donor-dependant. Significant initiatives, such as CowParade, the world’s largest public art event, raised much–needed proceeds for Champions in 2007. At the 2007 Golden Foot international awards created by the Prince Alberto of Monaco to honor the career of elite football players, Champions for Children Foundation was selected as the beneficiary. And it is through the foundation that the Clarence Seedorf Playground, in his hometown of Almere in Holland, was opened in 2007 to provide the local youth and wider community with a multi-use recreational facility

All of these initiatives, and others, will gain speed and strength in the run up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa through the project Goal4Africa. As the first global ambassador chosen to link arms with Nelson Mandela and Sepp Blatter, Clarence with be dedicating his heart, soul and expertise to promote a project that will have leave a lasting development legacy throughout the continent of Africa by raising funds through a global awareness campaign.

By giving his time, image and expertise to such ventures, Clarence is motoring forward on his mission to make a change in the world.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela