Sport stars Federer, McGregor donate to battle COVID-19

Roger Federer (C) of Switzerland is surrounded by kids after the exhibition event "The Match in Africa" with Rafael Nadal, in Cape Town, South Africa, February 7, 2020. /VCG

Swiss tennis great Roger Federer and Irish fighter Conor McGregor have joined the list of sports stars helping out the needy during the coronavirus pandemic.

The former tennis world No. 1 Federer and his wife have pledged to donate one million Swiss francs (1.02 million U.S. dollars) to vulnerable families in his native Switzerland.

"These are challenging times for everyone and nobody should be left behind," Federer wrote in a statement posted on Twitter on Wednesday.

"Mirka and I have personally decided to donate one million Swiss francs for the most vulnerable families in Switzerland."

"Our contribution is just a start," Federer added. "We hope that others might join in supporting more families in need. Together we can overcome this crisis."

Roger Federer (R) and Bill Gates play doubles at "The Match in Africa" with Rafael Nadal and Trevor Noah (not pictured) in Cape Town, South Africa, February 7, 2020. /VCG

Federer, a 20-times Grand Slam winner, is currently recovering from a knee surgery he underwent last month and was targeting a return in June in time for Wimbledon.

The tennis season is, however, suspended until June 7 due to the pandemic.

As of March 25, a total of 9,765 people have infected with the virus and 103 people died, according to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) star McGregor has spent one million euros (1.09 million U.S. dollars) on protective equipment for hospital staff treating patients with the coronavirus in Ireland.

McGregor sent a message to the Republic of Ireland's Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and revealed the contents on his Twitter page on Wednesday.

Donohoe had written to McGregor asking him to tell his 7.9 million Twitter followers to practice social distancing.

Conor McGregor wins UFC 246 welterweight fight in Las Vegas, U.S., January 18, 2020. /VCG

"Today I am purchasing myself, one million euro worth of personal protective equipment to be deployed to all the fighting hospitals in the Leinster region. Our most affected region, to this date," McGregor said.

"St James's, Mater, Tallaght, Beaumont, Vincent's (hospitals). Where we would be without these brave men and women, I do not know. May God bless over them and keep them safe!"

McGregor called on the Irish government to go further in their efforts to fight the virus and implement more stringent lockdown measures.

As of Tuesday, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Republic of Ireland stood at 1,329, reported BBC.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had each donated one million euros (1.08 million U.S. dollars) to help clinics and medical centers fight the outbreak.

Portugal and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes also came together to donate lifesaving equipment to Portuguese hospitals.

(With input from agencies)

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