In the world of professional sports, athletes have long recognized their roots and beginnings and have been involved in helping communities. Earning a hefty salary for doing what they love, athletes worldwide have been known to be involved in charitable causes, and indulge in philanthropic efforts. Although they put their well-being on the line in the ring, professional boxers are known to bank impressive amounts, win or lose, in world-class match-ups.
Involved in what’s said to be the ‘fight of the century’, professional boxer Manny Pacquiao, even upon his defeat, made over $100 million and is now using his earnings towards a respectable initiative. The Philippines-native took to Facebook with the message: “I’m so happy giving this houses free to my constituents in Sarangani Province from my own pocket more than thousand families are the beneficiaries.” Upon his major, worldwide-viewed match with Floyd Mayweather Jr, he was inspired to make a difference with his earnings. The boxer felt it was his duty to give back and recognize his roots at a time like this.
This remarkable act has now housed a thousand families in his hometown, all thanks to his heartwarming plan to make a difference. Despite the power and aggression that he exploits to the world in his boxing matches, he is a warm-hearted individual who is a man of the people.
Born into poverty himself, he recognizes the struggle and feels that it’s only right to give back from his own fortunes, to where his story began. He has always credited the people from his past for his success, and this gesture is an example of his gratitude.
The current Senator of the Philippines took care of this idea on his own, paying entirely out of his own pocket. Although he lost the big fight, his people have maintained their pride in the man who dared to fight the greatest boxer in history and put his country back on the map. During his current term as Senator, he plans to continue building homes for families in need and using his earnings towards the benefit of his people.
This is an example of the greater good that can come from sports, where many people feel that athletes are overpaid for what they do. Something to keep in mind, is that athletes dedicate their lives to these sports, and sacrifice family time in doing so, as they’re always on the road during their busy seasonal schedules. Based on achievements and salary caps, individual athletes are compensated accordingly, and evidently, have the luxury and option to give back however they please.
Straying away from the misconception people have about what star athletes do with their earnings, this idea exemplifies the impact that they can have if they choose charity. It’s refreshing to see the humanly decisions that some of our idols behind the screen can make, recognizing their ability to influence and make a difference, and not forgetting where their dream began. “I will never forget where I came from. I thank god for allowing me to help other people”
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