The height of a true superstar is measured not only by their performance and dominance within their respected sport, but much weighs on what they accomplish off the playing field. In the world of tennis it is hard to find a superstar that has been more dominant than Roger Federer during the past eight years. With a winning percentage of 80.99% and a spot in the top 3 rankings since 2004, Federer has been the face of tennis alongside Rafael Nadal and is much respected on and off the court. A true and respectful competitor, it is easy for fans to support and be intrigued with the Switzerland native as he continues to be a threat for every passing tournament.
Throughout his domination in the tennis world, Roger Federer has continued to support his charities; establishing the Roger Federer Foundation in 2003 to help disadvantaged people and to promote sports. He has appeared in public ads speaking on behalf of UNICEF to raise public awareness of AIDS, and in 2006 was named the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for his efforts in assisting those who are disadvantaged. During the 2005 Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells, an exhibition match was put on by Federer highlighting several top players to raise money for the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. He has also visited areas such as South Africa and Tamil Nadu, an area in India most devastated by the 2004 tsunami.
In recognition of his leadership, accomplishments, and numerous contributions to society, Federer received the 2010 Young Global Leader Award from the World Economic Forum. In response to the earthquake that shook Haiti in 2010, Federer organized Hit for Haiti; a special charity event that took place on the last day of the 2010 Australian Open featuring fellow tennis superstars such as Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic, Kim Clijsters, Serena Williams, Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Stosur. All proceeds raised went to the Haiti people and their relief efforts. In January of this year, Federer put on a similar event again in response to the 2010/11 Queensland floods called ‘Rally for Relief’.
To date, the Roger Federer Foundation has supported nearly 20,000 children in 6 different countries; 5 of which are located in Southern Africa with the sixth being his home country Switzerland. The foundation is involved in many different projects focusing on the improvement of learning and basic education quality and young sports talents. Through his endless work and leadership, many lives have been touched and improved. To many, Roger Federer is a respected and loved human being before a world tennis champion. He is a great role model and an example of what being a true superstar is all about.
To learn more about the Roger Federer Foundation, visit http://www.rogerfedererfoundation.org/en/home/
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