FC Barcelona players put smiles on faces in local hospitals

Following the open doors training session, the players, coaches and directors delivered some festive cheer to children in hospitals in and around the city

Today was a day to remember for plenty of young FC Barcelona fans as the players and staff did the rounds of the local hospitals, delivering gifts to children that will be spending January 6 away from their families.

In Catalonia, Epiphany is the traditional day for giving presents, when the Three Kings arrive from the Orient on their camels. But as part of a project organised by the FC Barcelona Foundation, the players also do their bit to put smiles on the faces of their supporters, traditionally on the afternoon after the open doors training session at the Miniestadi, which attracted over 10,000 people to the ground.

The players were divided into different groups. Hospital de Sant Joan de Déu was the destination for Andrés Iniesta, Ter Stegen, Arda Turan, Vermaelen, Luis Suárez, Juan Carlos Unzué plus directors Silvio Elías, Pau Vilanova and Emili Rousaud.

The members of the squad that went to Hospital Vall d’Hebron were Neymar Jr, Alves, Douglas, Bartra and José Ramon de la Fuente, joined by directors Josep Ramon Vidal-Abarca and Jordi Moix. In turn, Piqué, Sergio and Joan Barbarà along with vice-president Manel Arroyo paid a visit to Hospital de Sant Pau and Bravo, Mathieu and Francesc Cos were accompanied by Jordi Calsamiglia and Enrique Tombas to Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol.

Hospital de Barcelona was honoured by the presence of Messi, Mascherano and Pepe Costa, plus vice-president Jordi Mestre, while the visitors to Hospital de Nens de Barcelona were Sergi Roberto, Masip, Luis Enrique, Joaquín Valdés and director Joan Bladé. And there’s more. First vice-president Jordi Cardoner took Adriano, Munir and physio Rafel Pol to Cottolengo del Padre Alegre and the Casa Ronald McDonald welcomed Rakitic, Jordi Alba, Edu Pons and director Xavier Vilajoana.

Sandro and Aleix Vidal play footy

Finally, the Saló de la Infància was the destination of Sandro and Aleix Vidal, joined by the vice-president of the Foundation, Maria Teixidor. The two players joined in with a special FutbolNet match at a stand where children have meeting for such activities throughout the Christmas holidays. The children have not only been able to play football games, but also to take part in graffiti workshops and have their picture taken with the treble trophies.

from News at FCB http://ift.tt/1TzVLoV