“Had the Example of My Mother”: Rafael Nadal Gives Heart-Warming Reason Behind His Philanthropic Work

Fame is tough to be accomplished in tennis, where the success rate, just like other competitive fields is very low. Few stars, who managed to make a lavish living out of the sport, have also been pioneers of generosity, and Rafael Nadal stands tall amongst the players to have given something back to the society.

On account of the tenth anniversary of the ‘Rafa Nadal Foundation’, the Spaniard attended the celebratory event with wife Maria Francisca Perello and mother Ana Maria Parera.

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 11: Rafael Nadal of Spain greeting his father Sebastian Nadal while his sister Maria Isabel Nadal, his wife Xisca Perello, his mother Ana Maria Parera, his agent Carlos Costa look on after winning the Men’s Final against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day 15 of the 2020 French Open on Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros stadium on October 11, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)

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Rafael Nadal celebrates the tenth anniversary of his foundation

Spanish journalist and presenter Isabel Jimenez, who got the chance to attend the event amidst several dignitaries, wrote a heart-felt note for Nadal and his family along with a few photos from the event.

“There is no better task in life than to return smiles. That is the spirit of the Rafa Nadal Foundation. Congratulation Ana Maria, Maria Francisca, Rafael Nadal”, wrote Isabel on Instagram.

Along with the Rafa Nadal Academy, the Spaniard always takes great pride in his foundation, which was aimed at giving something back to the society.

“We celebrate 10 years, although it is a little longer. We decided to start with the Foundation 11 years ago. The reason is always to try to help, to give back to society for all the luck we have and how well life has treated us”, explained Nadal during the event.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion cited the example of his mother behind launching the foundation.

“At home, I had always had the example of my mother, I always saw her help different organizations”.

Aug 5, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a forehand against Lloyd Harris of South Africa (not pictured) during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Nadal’s foundation has its roots established in India

The foundation’s aim is to use sports as a vehicle to drive social and personal development to a lot of unfortunate children in Spain and India. The launch of Nadal’s foundation has its roots back in India, where he visited for the first time in 2007 to play the Chennai Open.

“Seeing people who have such a bad time but have the ability to be happy, it was shocking, when I came back from India, I have that memory and we started there”, explained the Spaniard.

Rafa Nadal foundation was established in India’s Anantapur, a town located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The foundation, which was established in the year 2010, was part of a larger project called the Anantapur Sports Centre that was undertaken by an NGO in Spain named ‘Rural Development Trust‘.

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