South Korean football icon Park Ji-sung is seeking to host a charity match in tribute to the victims of a recent ferry accident in his native land, the player’s father said Wednesday.
Park Sung-jong, the veteran’s father, told Yonhap that his son wanted to pay his tribute to the fallen passengers aboard the Sewol through football. The April 16 disaster has left 302 people dead or missing.
“He wants people affected by this tragedy to take solace from sports,” said the senior Park, who is a director of JS Foundation, Ji-sung’s own charity organization.
“Proceeds from the match will be donated to a scholarship foundation related to the Sewol victims,” the father added. “We’re trying to keep a low profile on our preparation since rescue operations are still under way.”
According to the father, the match will likely be held in mid-July, after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, which will go on from June 12 to July 13.
The senior Park said JS Foundation is in talks over the venue and participants of the charity match. Park Ji-sung could also play in the game, his father added.
Park plays for PSV Eindhoven in the top Dutch league. He and PSV will visit South Korea in May to play exhibition matches against two South Korean clubs: Suwon Bluewings on May 22 and Gyeongnam FC two days later. (Yonhap)
