Barrichello and Goldenballs

Thinking of the children
By Phil Huff
March 6 2008

Honda Racing F1's Rubens Barrichello is teaming up with football star David Beckham and building a 'World of Sport' in Brazil, lending his name and money to an outreach project that will offer world class facilities to children to develop their talents.

Located in the luxury resort of Cabo Sao Roque, some 20 miles north of the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, the centre will fit right in, with multiple golf courses, tennis courts, pools and, given Beckham's input, it's no surprise that there'll be eight football pitches and a 10,000 seater stadium.

There'll also the 'Rubens Barrichello Driving Experience' at a new professional karting circuit, offering motorsport scholarships for Brazilian youngsters, as the race winner looks to find Brazil's next big star and, we imagine, a lucrative long term management contract for Rubens himself.

"I'm in this project with my name and my experience and I've bought the whole idea," explained Barrichello. "It's an honour to share a partnership with a great name like Beckham, who has done so much to so many children who needed help. This development will certainly open new frontiers here."

Beckham and Barrichello's World of Sport will be just one part of a new, and ecologically friendly, major development in the Cabo Sao Roque area. Besides World of Sport and its associated accommodation and facilities, there are also plans for 1,350 private residences built throughout a new gated community, and a new hospital and school nearby. Both Rubens and David have already committed to purchasing their own homes there.

"I am honoured to be associated with this incredible project which will build world-class sporting facilities in Brazil," said Beckham, "hopefully having a major impact at a local level and internationally."