Luan Krasniqi, a strong man with a big heart for the little ones - Photo: W. Kehl
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Krasniqi, who will be meeting defending champion Lamon Brewster in the WBO heavyweight title fight on 28 September in Hamburg, delighted children at the SOS Children's Village in Pristina when he interrupted his strict training schedule to pay them a visit.
"I wanted to finally see for myself how children are helped at an SOS Children's Village. I was deeply impressed," Krasniqi said. "I am touched to see how children at the SOS Children's Village can find the security that only a family can give."
The Kosovo-born boxer who has been living in Germany since the age of 14 and holds German citizenship, said he was particularly pleased that donations collected by SOS Children's Villages in Germany were also being used to help children in need in Kosovo. When asked at a press conference in Pristina how long he planned to support SOS Children's Villages, Krasniqi said: "When SOS Children's Villages calls, I will be there for them!"
Krasniqi also pledged his support for the "6 villages for 2006" joint charity campaign between FIFA and SOS Children's Villages.
The SOS Children's Village in Pristina has been in operation since 2003. Children with special needs receive specialised care in the so-called "Beehive" area of the facility.