Federer and Nadal step up with life-saving pandemic efforts
Roger Federer and his wife, Mirka are donating more than $1 million to Swiss families in need amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The tennis champion took to Instagram to announce the generous gesture on Wednesday, revealing that the couple will donate 1 million Swiss Francs to help “the most vulnerable families in Switzerland.”
“Our contribution is just a start,” wrote Federer. “We hope that others might join in supporting more families in need. Together we can overcome this crisis! Stay healthy!”
As of Friday morning, Switzerland has 11,811 reported coronavirus cases and 191 deaths.
And the 38-year-old isn’t the only athlete to lend a helping hand, as Spanish sports stars Rafael Nadal and Pau Gasol have launched a fund raising drive in order to give back to their nation which has been badly affected by the pandemic.
Together, they are aiming to raise 11 million euros ($20 million).
“The Spanish people have never let us athletes down. We are what we are because of them,” said Nadal.
“We cannot let them down now.”
Nadal said he came up with the idea and called his fellow Spaniard and friend Gasol to help promote his drive.
“Spanish athletes have always tried to make our nation proud, today we want to go beyond that,” said double NBA champion Gasol.
“We want to raise 11 million euros and help 1.34 million people, those hardest hit by coronavirus.
“My contribution and Rafa’s too have already been made and I hope the whole of Spanish sport will rally behind us.”
The pair have been praised for the enormous gesture, with World Cup winning goalkeeper Iker Casillas tweeting: “It’s the time for Spanish sport and it’s up to us to do our part.
“I have already contributed."
Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui, a former Spain manager, posted his support on Nadal’s Instagram account.
“I hope all athletes will join this initiative and we can return, even if in a small amount, all that support that we have all enjoyed in our careers.”