Roger Federer: Beyond the Tennis Courts
Roger Federer: Beyond the Tennis Courts
By: Elissa Mason
Although Roger Federer is undoubtedly known for his amazing record of grand slam victories and his humble style of play, some may not be aware of his contributions outside of tennis. Federer is a consistent philanthropist, traveling out of his way to countries such as South Africa and India to provide charity and support to those in poor health situations, poverty, or victims of natural disasters. Since his establishment of the Roger Federer Foundation in 2003, he has helped “promote access to education, sports and play, and improve the quality where there are no or only insufficient funds available” (“Roger Federer Foundation”). This charitable Foundation is concentrated in countries in Africa and Switzerland, where long-term partnerships are made with “carefully selected local organizations” (“Roger Federer Foundation”). In this current year, more than 40,000 children are benefiting from this organization in the countries of Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Switzerland.
In 2004, Federer made a personal donation to the relief funds of UNICEF to help with the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. He also joined other professional athletes in an all-star exhibition tournament with proceeds going to victims of the tsunami. With that, he was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF in 2006. At his appointment ceremony, he explained that “sport can help overcome injustice and build bridges between cultures and nations,” and that “as tennis players we have a unique opportunity. It is our responsibility to connect with the real world beyond our sport [and] use our fortune to make a difference in the lives of those who most need it” (Dolan). In another charity event called Hit for Haiti in 2010, Federer collaborated with other top tennis players to form the event for the recent Haiti earthquake victims (“Tennis Australia”).
Overall, Roger Federer’s success in his passion of tennis has clearly fueled another passion of humanitarian efforts– in which his humble personality and desire for positive improvement has allowed him to make a difference to the less fortunate. As a professional tennis player, he has been able to use his fame to promote awareness of problems that otherwise would not be recognized. As UNICEF’s execute director Ann M. Veneman explained, “Talent is not the only thing that sets Roger Federer apart from the rest of the sports world…our interest in appointing him as a Goodwill Ambassador was inspired by his personal story and the commitment he has demonstrated to using his fame to benefit children” (Dolan).
Editor’s Note: 10sBalls.com and tennis fans let us know what you think about Roger Federer, this contribution came from college student that wanted to express some thoughts about one of the best players of all times.
Topics: 10sballs.com, Elissa Mason, Federer in India, Hit for Haiti, Roger Federe Unicef, Roger Federer, Roger Federer in South Africa, tennis charities, Unicef
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