Los Angeles - Oprah Winfrey, Julia
Roberts, Deepak Chopra and former US President George W Bush
are among some 200 cultural and spiritual leaders taking part in
a 24-hour livestream this weekend aimed at unity during the
coronavirus pandemic.
"The Call to Unite", starting on Friday at 8pm ET
(which is 2am on Saturday in South Africa) and streamed globally on Facebook, YouTube,
Twitter and other social media platforms, hopes to support
people who have lost loved ones to the coronavirus or who feel
isolated, depressed or overwhelmed.
Classical musician Yo-Yo Ma, rapper Charlamagne tha God, the
African Children's Choir, lifestyle guru Marie Kondo and
American pastor Rick Warren are also among those who will offer
prayers, songs and inspirational messages, organisers said.
"As much as it may feel like it, no one is alone in this
moment," the organisers said in a statement, inviting people
around the world to "join millions in solidarity over 24
powerful hours".
The livestream, one of several remotely produced events
aimed at bringing people together during the pandemic, is
organised by Tim Shriver, the chairman of the Special Olympics.
The Special Olympics, founded in 1968, provides year-round
sports training for people with intellectual disabilities, but
its programs have been put on hold due to the coronavirus.
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