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| Iker Casillas and Rafa Nadal have organised a Match Against Malaria in Madrid on Thursday to raise money to buy vaccines for children. The duo have teamed up to bring sports stars from across Spain together to participate in a seven-a-side game in Madrid Arena this week in a bid to raise awareness of malaria. "I'm extremely pleased to do it," explained Casillas. "The fight against malaria is a great cause that I've never undertaken. Rafa and I want this to be just the beginning, and we hope it's repeated for years to come. "We have to raise awareness that this disease kills thousands of kids, and the money raised will be used to by vaccines for them. "It's a great cause and I hope Madrid Arena is packed on Thursday. Nadal, the other athletes who will be there, and I would like to see the stands full of people. If it goes well, we will try to hold it in a larger venue next year." While the pair are waiting on the acceptance of Formula One drives Fernando Alonso, several other stars have already committed themselves to the cause. "Sergio Ramos, Raúl, Pereiro, Cannavaro will be with me, while people like Carlos Moyá, Sergio García will play with Rafa. I do have to say that everyone we called has said 'yes'. "Frédéric Kanouté and Mahamadou Diarra, who are both from Mali, will be there, and their country is another that needs our help, while we are hoping Barça release Andrés Iniesta and Samuel Eto'o." Casillas and Nadal have not set a target, but think that the modest entrance price should attract people to go along and see the action. "It's not much to ask of anyone. Six euros goes a long way for a child who has nothing. Those who cannot attend can make a donation through Caja de Ahorros de Ávila," Casillas continued. "I would like to thank all the sponsors and the media who have supported our cause, the Community of Madrid for its sponsorship, and City Hall, who donated €15,000." |