Rory McIlroy has received a heartfelt open letter from José Alvaro da Silva Carneiro, the CEO of the Little Prince Children’s Hospital, the hospital Rory was supposed to visit.
The golfer announced last week he would not be competing in this year’s Olympics in Rio because of his health concerns regarding the Zika virus, saying it was a risk he wasn’t willing to take.
“As you are aware, we wrote to you on 20 May 2016 with the support of our patron, Pelé, asking you to visit our hospital, the Little Prince Children’s,” José wrote.
Rio: Rory McIlroy pulled out from the Olympics because of fears of the Zika virus | VIPIRELAND.COM
José reminded the sports star that people all over Brazil are suffering from the threat of the virus.
“These are difficult days for the people of Brazil with the Zika virus adding to our challenges,” the CEO continued in his open letter.
“We awoke on Wednesday last to learn of your decision to pull out of the Rio Olympic Games.
“The news reports say that you have done so because of personal concerns over the Zika virus.
“Having withdrawn from the Rio Olympics, we ask you, with dignity and respect, to transform your personal concerns around Zika, into a practical concern in supporting our medical research scientists who are not only working to protect our own mothers and children, but in the long-term, all mothers and children throughout the world.”
Difficult: The hospital CEO admitted that it was a tough time for Brazil | VIPIRELAND.COM
José admitted to understand Rory’s decision to pull out, but revealed how excited Brazil was to welcome him.
“We understand your decision but, you too will understand our disappointment as many Brazilian people were looking forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country and the Olympic Games.
“We are certain too the people of Ireland are disappointed at your loss to the Irish Olympic team,” he revealed.
Progress: José revealed that Brazil is working on getting rid of the Zika virus | VIPIRELAND.COM
José further revealed in his letter that Brazil’s scientists are doing their best to get rid of the virus to stop it spreading any more.
“We are not only fighting to contain and eliminate the virus, but we are also working desperately to stop it from spreading to Africa and Europe, and the rest of the world,” he admitted.
The hospital CEO finished off the letter wishing Rory well and hoping for a response from the U.S. Open winner.
“We hope it will be possible to welcome you to Brazil in the future. In the meantime, we wish you good health and we look forward, hopefully, to your positive response.”
