Foundations run by tennis players

If everyone can contribute in building a world where there is happiness all round and people can afford at least three meals in a day, it is a wonderful moment for the entire world. Tennis is followed across the world and players are doing their bit in ensuring that underprivileged families lead better lives. Most of the work is done at the grassroots level so that maximum people can derive the benefits of good work.

#5 Andre Agassi Foundation

Andre Agassi at his foundation in Nevada

The mission of the foundation is “With Education, There is Hope.” Andre Agassi’s foundation focuses on transforming public education system in the United States by influencing state and national policy.

The foundation believes that it is the responsibility of every stakeholder involved – be it parents, advocates, educators and legislators to make a change in the way kids get educated. The organisation sums up it’s objective through this line: "We believe every child has the right to thrive"

#4 Serena Williams Foundation

Serena Williams at her foundation in Africa

Serena Williams Foundation was set up to achieve 2 objectives.

1. To provide assistance to youth whose families have been affected by violent crimes.
2. To assist underprivileged youth in receiving the highest quality education.
4. The foundation provides scholarships to deserving students which will enable them to attend college, learn a trade or start a business on their own. Serena Williams believes education plays a huge role in the overall development of a child and it can solve several problems faced by poor families in Africa.

This is what the 18-time Grand Slam champion had to say after touring Africa: “What can I do?" I couldn’t stand back and watch these young children not attend school and possibly miss out on a brighter future. And at that moment, I found my calling, I found my love. I created The Serena Williams Foundation to give hope for a better life. My first endeavor was in partnership with HP and Build African Schools. We built a school in Kenya called The Serena Williams Secondary School. The school allows children to receive free education. They will be afforded a chance to be the best that they can be and more.”

#3 Novak Djokovic Foundation

Novak Djokovic teaches kids some moves at his foundation in Serbia

Novak Djokovic is currently the No. 1 player in the world. And it wasn’t an easy journey for the Serb to become the best in the world. He worked hard, never gave up and most importantly believed in his dreams. With his foundation, he aims to provide better facilities for children in Serbia.

The mission of the foundation is thus:

Enable children from disadvantaged communities to grow up, play and develop in stimulating, creative and safe settings, whilst learning to respect others and care for their environment. Early childhood education gives a child a chance to return strongly to any challenge and become a winner in any field.

NDF focuses on improving education through improvement in infrastructure so that they can live up to their potential. Several problems faced by families are also addressed to ensure a secure family environment. Children are encouraged to pick up sport which teaches them sportsmanship, to respect each other and play in a fair manner.

Here is the video that summarises the kind of work NDF does:

#2 Rafa Nadal Foundation

Rafael Nadal poses with the kids at Anantapur Academy

The Rafa Nadal foundation was set up to help socially discriminated children and teenagers who are excluded by society. The foundation promises a better lifestyle through sport and believes that sport can bring about a positive change in the lives of individuals.

Exertion, respect and trust are necessary for the personal growth of everyone.

#1 Roger Federer Foundation (RFF)

Roger Federer is happy in the company of kids at his foundation in Africa

With a mission statement “I AM TOMORROW’S FUTURE”, RFF aims to provide good education to children where kids have no access to learning. The foundation is hoping to reach a million children by 2018 through this initiative.

The priority of the organisation in Africa is to support services in childhood care centers, pre-schools and primary schools for children 3 to 12 years old. Underprivileged children are encouraged to take up recreational activities in Switzerland.

All initiatives in Africa and Switzerland are possible thanks to help from the local communities.