Romania footballers swap shirt numbers for math questions to educate children
In what can only be described as a very calculated altruistic move the Romanian national football team is trying to generate more interest in math in an effort to alleviate the country's poor school dropout rate.
The Romanian football federation swapped the squad numbers on their training apparel with mathematical equations ahead of their goalless friendly match against Spain last night (27 March).
The initiative was devised to combat Romania's poor school dropout rate which at 18 per cent is the highest in the European Union.
"Football and mathematics are not mutually exclusive," said Romanian Football Federation president Razvan Burleanu.
"We must look at sports and education as not only complementary but fundamental elements integrated in the training and perfection of children.
"We want to have healthy generation and smart students who achieve performance and tools through tailored passions. Through this project, children will learn the basics of football and have an opportunity for the first time in our country to discover mathematics through an attractive approach."