At the Rafa Nadal Foundation, we believe in the power of sports and education to change lives and build a brighter future for children and young people in vulnerable situations. During the last school year, we carried out our 5 inspiring projects that positively impacted hundreds of people in Spain and India.
We reached an astounding number of 1,343 beneficiaries during the last school year.
MORE THAN TENNIS: Tennis Schools for Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities Across Spain (379 beneficiaries)
Our commitment to inclusion and diversity is evident in this project, where we opened the doors of our tennis schools to 379 athletes with intellectual disabilities from all over Spain. Here, tennis becomes a powerful tool to empower these young individuals, providing them with a safe space to develop their sporting and social skills. Every day, they inspire us with their passion and determination, and we are dedicated to supporting them on their journey to success.
NETS: A Dream Come True for 255 Children and Adolescents in Anantapur, India
In Anantapur, India, over 12 years ago, we created the NETS project, a center where 255 children and adolescents have found a place to grow and learn not only in tennis but also in education. With computer and English language activities, we are preparing these young people for a brilliant future, where knowledge and academic skills will open new opportunities for them. Our aim is for tennis to be a tool for their integral development, turning them into leaders in their communities.
NETS with Adapted Tennis: Overcoming Barriers with 14 Children and Adolescents
In the same facility, we have created an inclusive space for 14 children and adolescents with physical disabilities. At NETS, we have provided wheelchair tennis training, demonstrating that sports have no limits. Our mission is to break barriers and challenge stereotypes, giving these young individuals the opportunity to experience the excitement and benefits of adapted tennis. Their smiles and achievements are proof that the human spirit can overcome any obstacle.
Play All: Transforming Neighborhoods and Lives Through Tennis
In Barcelona, we launched the new Play All project, where we brought tennis training and values education to 123 vulnerable minors from different neighborhoods. Here, tennis is not just a sport but an opportunity to learn essential life skills and foster personal development. We are proud to have been part of the positive change in the lives of these young people, who have found in tennis a path to build a brighter future.
Study&Play: Promoting the Talent of Young Athletes
Thanks to the Study&Play scholarships, we support young athletes and students who want to continue their careers at universities in the United States. For the upcoming 2023 academic year, a total of 30 students have received this financial aid, allowing them to embark on their great adventure. We recently celebrated the scholarship award ceremony, where we could feel the great excitement they have to start this new chapter in their lives.
Rafa Nadal Foundation Centers: Supporting Vulnerable Minors
In the cities of Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, and Madrid, the Rafa Nadal Foundation Centers are located to support vulnerable minors. Here, the focus is comprehensive, offering sports, educational activities, and psychosocial support to contribute to the physical and emotional development of young people. During the last school year, we reached a total of 542 beneficiaries, including 275 children and their families in Palma de Mallorca, 129 minors in Valencia, and 138 minors in Madrid. Each center is a home where these young people can find support, affection, and an environment conducive to their growth and dreams.
The last school year has been an exciting journey for the Rafa Nadal Foundation, where we impacted the lives of 1,343 beneficiaries directly and many more indirectly through our various projects. Each story of overcoming, each smile, and each achievement reminded us of the importance of sports as a tool to transform lives and build a more inclusive and hopeful world. We will continue to work with dedication and passion to be agents of change and provide opportunities to more children and young people.
Thank you to all the partners, friends, and allies who make this transformative journey possible!