ESSIEN FOUNDATION UP AND RUNNING
It was a busy weekend for Michael Essien back in his homeland as he completed a World Cup qualification campaign and launched the Michael Essien Foundation.
Ghana had already secured their place in South Africa next summer before hosting Mali on Sunday. Essien played the first 82 minutes of a 2-2 draw, the home side equalising for a second time inside the final 10 minutes.
On Saturday evening in the Banquet Hall in the capital city Accra, the Chelsea midfielder held an event to mark the start of his new fundraising Foundation, attended by his national team-mates, the Ghana Minister for Sports and former African football star George Weah (pictured right), who spent a spell at Chelsea in 2000. Many other dignitaries were also present.
Essien has explained the inspiration behind and targets for the Foundation in a blog on the official Chelsea website.
The main aims are to give the underprivileged of the area of his home town access to basic amenities like healthcare equipment, libraries, public toilets and clean drinking water. It will raise funds to support local projects in the Awutu Breku area and will encourage youth to take part in sports day activities.
With his mother at his side (pictured), Essien gave a speech on Saturday night and was moved by a message of support from Roman Abramovich which was read out.
'This is one of the proudest moments of my life,' Essien said during the event.
'I have won many trophies and accolades but I reckon this tops them all. The fact that my friends and family are here to support this beautiful event to help my people beats everything I have had in the past.
'The special message from Mr. Abramovich really touched my heart. I wasn't expecting it at all and I was pleasantly surprised and delighted. His story is similar to mine as we both emerged from humble backgrounds and are trying to help our people. Thank you so much Big Boss Man.'
An auction to raise funds saw Essien's Community Shield shirt, a pair of John Terry and a pair of Didier Drogba's boots, Frank Lampard's England shirt and Petr Cech's gloves sold.
'There are so many people I have to say a big thank you to and the list can fill 100 pages,' said Essien.
'Everyone at Chelsea Football Club, all the sponsors, all Ghanaians and every well wisher who supported this event. I hope you will continue to be there for me as you have always done.'
'Having my mum and the rest of my family there was inspirational in many ways. I am what I am today because of them and I am proud to be their son and brother.'
'The Michael Essien Foundation will be a journey not a sprint and as long as we work hard we will be able to put a smile on the faces of normal people who are suffering through no fault of theirs. Let the story of hope and inspiration start from here.'
