John Cena has been named one of the world’s most charitable athletes in the world in the latest top 20 list released by charity organisation, DoSomething.org.
Cena comes in 2nd place in the “Athletes Gone Good 2015” competition, missing out on the top spot to Real Madrid football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, but beating the likes of Serena Williams (Tennis), Neymar Jr. (Football), LeBron James (Basketball) and Ronda Rousey (UFC).
He is being recognised for this work with the Make-A-Wish foundation, where he currently holds the record of the most wishes granted with almost 500. He is Make-A-Wish’s most requested celebrity Wish granter.
John Cena has also been praised by DoSomething for his work alongside WWE for the Susan G. Komen for the cure breast cancer awareness organisation. With Cena heading the campaign, he along with WWE have so far raised almost $2million since partnering with the organisation in 2012.
In October of every year, WWE turns the middle ropes of their ring pink and releases special pink editions of existing WWE Superstar merchandise, of which all the profits go to the organisation.
In addition to John Cena, Roman Reigns also makes the top 20 list coming in at 13th place. Also ahead of Ronda Rousey.
The 2015 “Top 20 Athletes Gone Good” list:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
2. John Cena
3. Serena Williams
4. Yuna Kim
5. Neymar Jr.
6. LeBron James
7. Heather O’Reilly
8. Maria Sharapova
9. Mo’ne Davis
10. Richard Sherman
11. Meryl Davis & Charlie White
12. Dan Carter
13. Roman Reigns
14. Ronda Rousey
15. Lindsey Vonn
16. Tom Daley
17. Bethany Hamilton
18. Saina Nehwal
19. Paul Rabil
20. Shahid Afridi
The winners of Athletes Gone Good are selected as a result of a three-part methodology, Votes and nominations from the public, Athlete’s influence on social media and Advice from the Athletes Gone Good Advisory Committee.
“All over the world, athletes are using their platforms to rally fans around important causes,” said Naomi Hirabayashi, chief marketing officer at DoSomething.org. “DoSomething.org is proud to honor these athletes who are using their fame for good.”
In the spirit of Athletes Gone Good, DoSomething.org is encouraging young people to post inspirational sports quotes in gyms and locker rooms through a campaign called Quote of a Champion.
To learn more about Athletes Gone Good, click here.
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