Beckham ready to raise funds for Japan

        Image by Downing Street via Flickr 

David Beckham, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, is ready to raise funds to help the victims of the tsunami tragedy that hit Japan.

"I will lend my support in any way possible," said Beckham, who was named to UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2005 and helped raise funds for the relief effort the last time a tsunami hit Asia. "This devastation has hit so many families. Unfortunately, these international tragedies are happening all the time. My heart goes out to those people."

"Obviously, they right now are dealing with the loss of their homes and belongings, but then I think it's time to raise the hopes and morale of people who are dealing with this tragedy," said Beckham, who plays for the MLS Los Angeles Galaxy, which opens the 2011 season next week. "I've always said the game of soccer and watching other sports takes your mind off certain things. That's the power of sports."