Kieran Tierney today highlighted the incredible benefits that attending live sporting events can bring to youngsters’ mental and physical health. The Celtic and Scotland star was speaking as he took up his new role as patron of The Kano Foundation, a children’s charity that has already brought more than 20,000 kids to Celtic Park to enjoy the matchday experience. Kieran Tierney said: “Being part of initiatives like The Kano Foundation can give young people a real sense of belonging. ‘It’s such a great project and charity which brings people together at a time when so many kids report feeling lonely or isolated.’ “I have been really fortunate to enjoy a career playing football, and even more so for the club I love, and that would never have happened without getting an interest in football and attending games at a young age. “The brilliant work of The Kano Foundation provides kids the opportunity to make memories and friends for life, it can help create the next generation of football fans and you never know, maybe some future Celtic players can be sitting with the Kano Foundation this weekend.”The Kano Foundation was formed in 2008 when Martin Kane, a Glaswegian Celtic fan living in Australia, developed Devic’s Syndrome, a rare condition that meant he was hospitalised for months and needed specialised care. A huge Celtic fan who posted updates on his condition on the Celtic Quick News site, Martin’s plight encouraged fellow supporters to fundraise to get him home from hospital. The amount massively exceeded expectations and a group brought some kids who had helped raise money to Celtic Park, thus giving birth to The Kano Foundation. Newly appointed chairman, Nicholas Weir, said the appointment of Kieran to the role of patron had the potential to transform the work of the charity. He said: “We are very proud that our close relationship with Celtic FC has enabled us to welcome a world-class player as Patron, and we are grateful to Kieran and everyone at the Club for their fantastic ongoing support. “While The Kano Foundation has been active for 15 years, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Kieran’s patronage will significantly elevate our profile, helping us reach more children, share the joy of live sport, and inspire them through his remarkable journey.” To find out more about The Kano Foundation, support them financially, or find out more about attending a game with The Kano Foundation, you can visit their website at thekanofoundation.com or email [email protected].
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