# How philanthropic are Europe’s sports stars?

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2004/09/28/how-philanthropic-are-europe039s-sports-stars/
- Published: 2004-09-28T23:00:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**The latest issue of Philanthropy in Europe magazine reports on over fifty of Europe’s
sports stars, past and present, and suggests that high paid stars are more generous
than their city counterparts.**

How much do high-paid sports stars give to charity? You might imagine that the answer
is ‘not much’ based on media coverage of some sports stars lives. Yet Philanthropy
in Europe magazine’s argues that the fat cat sports stars are in fact more generous
than we give them credit for.

The magazine focuses on the giving of footballers, racing drivers, tennis players,
boxers, golfers, athletes, cyclists and even Britain’s most famous balloonist Brian
Jones. Not all have created foundations but a significant number have. There is 
for example the Franz Beckenbauer Foundation, the Victoria and David Beckham Charitable
Trust, The Nadia Comineci Children’s Clinic, the Alex Corretja Fundació, and the
Stefan Edberg Foundation.

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Not surprisingly, many focus on funding the development of sport, but there are 
some who have a braoder vision, supporting humanitarian, social welfare, educational
and many other causes.

Karina Holly, Editor of Philanthropy in Europe, concludes that “as their salaries
rise on a par with the most famous US athletes so Europe’s sports stars are beginning
to play the philanthropic game.”

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