13 Jan 2003

Dear Kailash

I am truly sorry that I am just getting to this letter, for I am certain I would have returned it to you immediately. I hope that you can still, in some fashion, use the sign declaration in your quest to help children explore their potential as well as enjoy a peaceful existence. I am a huge advocate for children, so if there is anything I can do, or my teammates in the WUSA (Women’s United Soccer Association), please let me know.

Congratulations for being an advocate fo

r our future. The children of the world thank you.

José Saramago, the Nobel Laureate for literature in 1998 has extended his unconditional support to the campaign. The letter from his secretariat, says that, he is evidently against child labour and other forms of manipulation that adults make over children. He wishes all possible success to the Campaign.

The portuguese writer was born in 1922 to a family of farmers. For financial reasons he abandoned his high-school studies and trained as a mechanic. He worked in different areas like the civil service, a publishing company and then for newspapers. Between 1975 and 1980 Saramago supported himself as a translator but since his literary successes in the 1980s he has devoted himself to his own writing. His international breakthrough came in 1982 with the blasphemous and humorous love story "Baltasar and Blimunda", a novel set in 18th century Portugal. Saramago's oeuvre totals 30 works, and comprises not only prose but also poetry, essays and drama.

His awards include Prémio Cidade de Lisboa 1980, Prémio PEN Club Português 1983 and 1984, Prémio da Crítica da Associação Portuguesa 1986, Grande Prémio de Romance e Novela 1991, Prémio Vida Literária 1993, Prémio Camões 1995.

Henrik Larsson has been widely recognised as one of the most dangerous strikers in Europe. He made his league debut at third-division Hogaborg. In 1992, he moved to Helsingborg in the Swedish second division, where he struck 10 goals that helped take them up to the first division. After almost four years in the Netherlands, he moved to the legendary Scottish club, Celtic. Today, experts even count the dark-skinned Celtic forward among the greatest ever.

Signed Declaration

A Costa Rican star football player from the club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense. He plays at the goalkeeper's position and is an asset for the club. He was appointed the FIFA Football Ambassdor in the year 2001.

Signed Declaration

A young star player from Jamaica, who is building a promising career with the DC United, the Washington DC MLS team, has shown his support by signing a declaration against child labour. He is seen as a player of reckon with a tough attitude and nimble feet.

Signed Declaration