In Germany, athletes showed that money is not everything. According to lrytas.lt, the COVID-19 virus pandemic raging around the world has halted all sports events in many countries. Since Wednesday morning, more than 18 thousand people have already died from the virus, and the number of infections has exceeded 400 thousand.
Germany ranks in the top five countries by number of infections, but the country's sports stars have decided to show solidarity and help fight the coronavirus.
Reducing salaries
In Germany, footballers started demonstrating examples that health and people's well-being are now the most important.
The Dortmund "Borussia" footballers agreed to reduce their salaries, which will allow the club to save tens of millions. "This was an important step of solidarity. We will save millions, which will help protect the club, which is one of the largest employers in the city," said "Borussia" CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke about the players' decision.
Last week, the Mönchengladbach "Borussia" footballers did the same.
In Germany, football championships have been suspended until at least April 2, but it is unlikely they will resume in a week. Germany's football head Christian Seifert said that more than 50 thousand people work in this market, whose future has become uncertain, and all German clubs may suffer about 750 million euros in losses.
Financial support
Others decided to contribute financially to the fight against the coronavirus. Munich "Bayern" striker Robert Lewandowski from Poland and his wife Anna donated one million euros to fight COVID-19.
"We all understand how difficult the situation is around us at the moment. Today we all play on the same team. If we can help in any way - let's do it," said the couple to the German media.
Other "Bayern" footballers also decided to donate money: Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich. They also donated one million euros.
Fans are also contributing
Although football matches are not taking place, the most loyal fans of the teams have found another activity.
The most active supporters of the same Dortmund "Borussia" decided to contribute to the coronavirus crisis in the country. Three "Borussia" fan ultra groups reached out to help people in the high-risk group.
They offered to buy essential goods for them from stores and pharmacies.
lrytas.lt
