Published: 12:07, November 19, 2021 | Updated: 18:06, November 19, 2021
Nadal looks to give back as his foundation marks 10th year
By Xinhua

In this June 11, 2021 photo, Spain's Rafael Nadal reacts during his men's singles semi-final tennis match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic on Day 13 of The Roland Garros 2021 French Open tennis tournament in Paris. (MARTIN BUREAU / AFP)

MADRID - The Rafael Nadal Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary at an event held in the Spanish capital city of Madrid on Wednesday night.

The foundation founded by the world famous Spanish tennis star, who has won 20 Grand Slam titles, including 13 French Opens, has spent the last 10 years using sport as a tool to help social and personal development among disadvantaged young people in Spain and India.

I have always tried to help and we have allocated our efforts to projects that motivate us, with added value. We create illusions and opportunities and sport and education open it wide.

Rafael Nadal, Spanish professional tennis player

"Famous athletes or famous people have the capacity to inspire people who need help and also in getting other people to help contribute," said Nadal on Wednesday.

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Among the works the foundation has carried out, has been distributing tablets to help kids study during the pandemic, as well as delivering food and hygiene products for struggling families.

The foundation states that "that every child and youth should have access to equal opportunities now and in the future," and is currently involved in projects helping children with learning difficulties at 20 different schools in Spain and integrating vulnerable children.

Nadal attended the event with his family and the player, who is recovering from a foot injury," said he had created the foundation "to try to help and give back to society all the luck we have and how well life has treated us."

"I have always tried to help and we have allocated our efforts to projects that motivate us, with added value. We create illusions and opportunities and sport and education open it wide," he added.

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During the event, Nadal explained that his foundation would be opening another center to help children in Madrid.