Sporting Stars Bring Festive Cheer to Children in Need
Sporting CP players Conrad Harder and João Simões spread holiday cheer by visiting children at Santa Casa da Misericórdia in Lisbon. This heartwarming initiative, in collaboration with the Sporting Foundation, brought smiles and joy to the young recipients during the festive season.
Harder, the Danish striker, emphasized the importance of giving back during this special time of year. “It’s a special time of year and it was good to be here,” he shared. “It’s good to give and receive that love, to show them that there are many good things in life and that we can all be happy. At Sporting we are a big family and it’s good to share that love with everyone,”
Simões, a midfielder who has been a regular starter in recent matches, echoed the sentiment. “This time of year is about being with family and friends. It was really good. It’s worth highlighting their role because they help children in need to grow as people and have the same opportunities that others have,”
Inês Sêco, executive coordinator of the Sporting Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to making a difference. “We came here, as we go somewhere every month, but of course Christmas is always a special time. We always have a lot of requests and this time we chose SCML,our long-time partner,considering this year’s mottos and the fact that we could be with welcoming families. Bringing this warmth and so much hope here at Christmas time was good for everyone.”
## Spreading Holiday Cheer: An Interview with Sporting CP Stars
**Archyde** sat down with Sporting CP players Conrad Harder and João Simões to discuss their recent visit to Santa Casa da Misericórdia in Lisbon, where they brought gifts and festive cheer to children in need.
**Archyde:** Conrad, you mentioned the importance of giving back during the holidays. can you elaborate on what motivated you to participate in this initiative?
**Conrad Harder:** It’s a special time of year, and it was good to be here.it’s good to give and receive that love, to show them that there are many good things in life and that we can all be happy. At Sporting, we are a big family, and it’s good to share that love with everyone.
**Archyde:** João, as a regular starter for Sporting, you have a busy schedule. What made you prioritize this visit?
**João Simões:** This time of year is about being with family and friends. It was really good to visit.It’s worth highlighting the role of organizations like Santa Casa da Misericórdia because they help children in need to grow as people and have the same opportunities as others.
**Archyde:** Inês Sêco, Executive Coordinator of the Sporting Foundation, spoke about the foundation’s commitment to making a difference. Can you share more about the foundation’s work and its impact on the community?
**Inês Sêco:** We came here, as we go somewhere every month, but of course, Christmas is always a special time. We always have a lot of requests and this time we chose SCML, our long-time partner, considering this year’s mottos and the fact that we could be with welcoming families. Bringing this warmth and so much hope here at Christmas time was good for everyone.
**Archyde:** This initiative clearly demonstrates the positive influence athletes can have on their communities.Do you think professional sports teams have a obligation to give back, and why?
*(We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this question in the comments below. Do professional sports teams have a social responsibility to support their communities?)*
## Spreading Holiday Cheer: An Interview with Sporting CP Stars
**Archyde:** Welcome back to Archyde.Today, we have the pleasure of speaking to two incredible athletes from Sporting CP: Conrad Harder and João Simões. You recently visited santa Casa da Misericórdia in Lisbon to spread some holiday cheer. Conrad, tell us a bit about what inspired this heartwarming initiative.
**Conrad Harder:** It was truly a special experience. This time of year is all about giving back, and when Sporting Foundation approached us, we knew we had to be involved. It’s a privilege to bring smiles and joy to these children, especially during the holidays. [[1](https://www.sporting.pt/en/club/history/honours)]
**Archyde:** João, you’ve been a regular starter for Sporting CP lately, demonstrating your dedication on the field. how important is it for you to extend that dedication off the field and engage with the community?
**João Simões:** Absolutely. For me, it’s about recognizing that we are more than just athletes. Being part of the Sporting CP family means being part of something larger than ourselves. This time of year is about being with loved ones,and extending that warmth and support to those in need resonates deeply with the values we hold dear at Sporting.
**archyde:** Conrad, what message do you hope to convey to the children at santa Casa da Misericórdia through this visit?
**Conrad Harder:** We want them to know that they are loved and appreciated. There are many good things in life, and despite challenges, happiness and hope are always within reach. At Sporting, we’re a big family, and we want them to feel that sense of belonging and support.
**Archyde:** It’s fantastic to see such young stars actively engaged in making a difference. João, what impact do you think initiatives like this have on the community, and on the players themselves?
**joão Simões:** initiatives like these are incredibly valuable. They remind us of the power of giving back and the importance of compassion. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces is truly rewarding, and it serves as a powerful reminder of what truly matters in life.
**Archyde:** Thank you both for sharing your time and insights. your dedication to spreading holiday cheer and making a positive difference is truly commendable. We wish you both and Sporting CP all the best for the season.
