Sports stars and clubs across the world continue to help their local communities – and find new ways to amuse themselves – during the coronavirus pandemic.
Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the best examples from April 30.
Football
Two visually-impaired Southampton fans have been given breakthrough IrisVision technology to help them see clearly for the first time.
The club sponsor, Virgin Media, worked with Saints and VisionAid to give Joshua, 14, and Florence, 10, the innovative technology.
The pair will also be given a mascot experience at St Mary’s when the Premier League resumes.
A kickabout they'll remember forever 😍 Watch as a pair of young visually impaired #SaintsFC fans are surprised with VisionAid equipment, thanks to @VirginMedia: — Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 30, 2020
Brighton have created a special edition of their home shirt, featuring a ‘Thank You NHS’ logo across the front.
Manchester United and their foundation, in a joint initiative with Mealforce and the club’s catering supplier, Bidfood, will distribute the first of an initial 60,000 prepared meals for NHS staff across the city.
The meals will be delivered free of charge over the coming weeks to NHS staff who would normally have had to provide their own meals while on duty.
Aston Villa and England defender Tyrone Mings showed his support to the NHS with personal phone calls to two workers.
Derby midfielder Wayne Rooney shared a throwback snap of himself alongside boxing great Mike Tyson.
⚽️🥊 #tbt pic.twitter.com/jHYkT2qV4Y — Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) April 30, 2020
Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford was engaging his followers in a musical debate…
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be? Go 👇🏾 — Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) April 30, 2020 Ok ok, some good suggestions. Let’s try this one: name your go-to workout track 👇🏾 — Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) April 30, 2020
The 22-year-old was also thankful for donations as his partnership with FareShare, launched six weeks ago, is now supplying over two million meals a week to vulnerable people across the UK.
I really am so grateful to every single one of you who has donated a couple of £’s here and there as those little bits do really make a big difference. I know it’s not an easy time for any of you and I’m blown away that you have pulled together on this. THANK YOU!! ♥️♥️ — Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) April 30, 2020
United forward Alexis Sanchez, on loan at Inter Milan, has been training at his home on Lake Como.
Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi sported a new fade for his weekly shop.
Locked and loaded. Ready to hit the grocery store with #Noemi 🙏🏻 #SM20 pic.twitter.com/glcwbtP50S — Shkodran Mustafi (@MustafiOfficial) April 30, 2020
Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling was being productive.
England and Manchester City Women Steph Houghton announced she would run 100 kilometres in May alongside some of her team-mates to raise awareness and money for her husband’s foundation – Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.
I’m going to be running 100k in May for my husbands foundation along with our family, friends + teammates! Not only to raise money but to raise awareness. #AttackMND @DarbyRimmerMND You can join our team or please donate below! 👇🏻 thank you! RT https://t.co/y2vPZLr8dM — Steph Houghton MBE (@stephhoughton2) April 26, 2020
Tennis
Serena Williams was involved in an “incredible rally”.
Coco Gauff made an admission over her social media skills.
In all honesty I still don’t know how to use Twitter — Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) April 30, 2020
Two-time Wimbledon ladies singles champion Petra Kvitova is back on court after some coronavirus restrictions were lifted in her native Czech Republic.
Restrictions are sloooooowly starting to lift here in 🇨🇿 Can’t tell you how good it feels to be able to hit tennis balls again 👌 Stay safe everyone and let’s take our time adjusting to the new normal ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zZl77IJtxV — Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) April 30, 2020
Cricket
The ECB congratulated Captain (now Colonel) Tom Moore on his 100th birthday, noting that England’s teams were “in awe of him, his humility and the unprecedented fundraising he has achieved” for the NHS. A private offer from England men’s skipper Joe Root to address the team in the dressing room before a future Test match was reiterated.
Former England paceman Darren Gough had a tip for anyone who has enjoyed lockdown more than they should have!
Worcestershire’s players will raise funds for local charity Acorns Children’s Hospice by running nearly 1,000 kilometres in seven days.
🏃♀️🏃♂️The players and some support staff have challenged themselves to run nearly 1000km in the next seven days in virtual relay style to raise money for @AcornsHospice Visit 👉 https://t.co/38A9xRoAhp for all the details and to donate#RapidsRelay #Acorns — Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) April 30, 2020
England seamer Stuart Broad revealed he will race against team-mate Ben Stokes in the virtual Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Racing in the #VirtualGP 🏎 in Brazil 🇧🇷 on Sunday with @alphataurif1. Can’t wait! Will be nervous but will be a lot of fun. Any advice on strategies will be welcomed with open arms!Battle is on @stokesy… #GrandPrix pic.twitter.com/tDRBi1ocx0 — Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) April 30, 2020
Formula One
McLaren driver Lando Norris sent Captain Tom a special gift – a signed racing helmet with a birthday message.
Wanted to give a little appreciation gift to #CaptainTomMoore for raising £30Million and of course for reaching his incredible 100th Birthday! Happy Birthday Colonel! #YoureOurHero #NHS pic.twitter.com/NfbJBOtRFf — Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) April 30, 2020
Horse racing
Frankie Dettori is holding a raffle to raise funds for the NHS.
I want to thank and support our NHS heroes by raising more money with the #FrankieNHSRaffle The winner will own a horse for the day ridden by me!🏇 All the money goes to the NHS! Enter for just £2🎟https://t.co/VW1hiXHn5c pic.twitter.com/FDJfVK4AKo — Frankie Dettori (@FrankieDettori) April 30, 2020
Rugby league
Wigan full-back Zak Hardaker has not lost his touch during the lockdown.
Don’t worry guys, I’m still number 1 @WiganWarriorsRL 🍒⚪️ pic.twitter.com/4gzLpEVLiq — Zak Hardaker (@zakhardaker1) April 30, 2020
Golf
Former Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn left himself with a broken window when trying to give golf tips from his home.
When you try and film a @CallawayGolfEU Tour Tip but you haven’t picked up a club since Feb! 😂😂😂😂💥 pic.twitter.com/yJ1Y6X6GcE — Thomas Bjorn (@thomasbjorngolf) April 30, 2020
