“Trying My Whole Life to Transmit Values”: Rafael Nadal Stresses on Setting Good Example

The world stayed at home amid the coronavirus pandemic for most of 2020. On the other side, a certain tennis World No. 2 made every effort to reach out and help people in these tiring times. As a result, in addition to many other recognitions this year, Rafael Nadal won ElDesmarque’s DEX Leyenda Award.

Also known as the ‘Premio Leyenda’, the award is given to sportsmen of Spain for contributing values to the community. The main sponsor of the award is the Bank of Santander. Every year, they recognize athletes who make an effort to make the lives outside the sport better in times of need. Spain’s football team captain and one of the greatest sportsmen of the country, Sergio Ramos, also won the award.

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Rafael Nadal dedicated the award to the people who suffered due to the virus

Only recently, the 20 times Grand Slam champion won the 2020 ATP Sportsmanship Award for his professionalism and integrity. Being the right example for the next generation has always been one of the highest priorities for Rafa Nadal.

The 39 years-old Spaniard said, “I have been trying my whole life to transmit values ​​that are positive. They have tried to educate me so that it is so and I hope they are values ​​that help some young people to grow in the appropriate way.”

(All quotes have been translated via Google Translate)

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Year after year, Rafa has shown how serious he is about making a difference. This year has been very difficult for many people around the world, and the Spaniard dedicated the award to them.

“I want to dedicate the award to all the people who have directly suffered the impact of the virus, who have lost someone important and also to all these people who are suffering it every day both at the health and economic level,” said Nadal.

Rafa Nadal Foundation helps children gain similar values

The year marked the 10 anniversary of his Foundation for kids. Since day one, the 13 times French Open winner and his team are trying to make lives of the Spanish children better.

“We try to instill the appropriate values ​​for the personal and professional development of children who have an uncertain future, and also since the opening of the academy is what we also try apart from helping children to develop their maximum talent in tennis. So that when they leave the academy they leave with an adequate preparation and education for the future,” Rafa said.

Despite losing the top-rank chance to Novak Djokovic, Nadal ended the season in Top 2 for a record 12 time. With a mentality to give his all, the 34-year-old will start the 2021 season at the Australian Open.

Also Read: ‘Fight Until The End’: Rafael Nadal Details on His Approach in Overcoming Hardships