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Rafael Nadal is one of the greatest tennis champions ever, but what sets him apart from most is his enormous generosity off the court. The Spaniard is one of the foremost figures in Spain when it comes to charitable works, which he carries out through his Foundation.
Nadal’s contribution to Spain in both sports and charity has not gone unnoticed, as several figures have lauded the Mallorcan and his immense love towards his people. Sometimes the recognition comes in the form of awards too, as seen with Rafael Nadal being recognized as an outstanding Spanish figure by 'la asociación de corresponsales de prensa extranjera' - or the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents (ACPE).
The ACPE is a 97-year-old organization that awards outstanding figures and institutions who contribute positively to Spain. For the last year, they chose Rafael Nadal among a few others, awarding the 34-year-old in the ‘Sports and overcoming’ category.
Rafael Nadal will be given the award on 10 September
A host of other renowned Spaniards and Spanish institutions will be felicitated by the ACPE along with Rafael Nadal. Famous journalist Vicente Valles is one among them, and so is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum based in Madrid.
The awards ceremony will take place at the Cecilio Rodriguez Gardens in Madrid on 10 September but as of now, it’s not confirmed whether Nadal will be there in person to collect his award.
Rafael Nadal has achieved almost everything when it comes to tennis. The Spaniard has won numerous titles throughout his glittering career and has currently set his eyes on Roger Federer’s all-time tally of 20 Grand Slams.
Nadal is just one shy of that record, and looks primed to equal Federer's tally at the upcoming French Open.
Despite being a largely individual sport, tennis has several tournaments where players have the opportunity to make their nation proud. The Olympics and Davis Cup are a couple of events that come to mind in that regard, and Rafael Nadal has excelled in both.
The Mallorcan has won four Davis Cup titles and two Olympic Gold medals for Spain, while also representing the Mediterranean nation in all the Grand Slam events.
But on-court success is not the only thing that helped Rafael Nadal clinch this award. The Spaniard’s humanitarian work in Spain has been nothing short of colossal over the past few years.
From housing the Majorca flood victims inside his Academy in 2018 to raising more than 14 million (with Pau Gasol) to fight coronavirus, Nadal has been relentless while serving his countrymen.
The Rafa Nadal Foundation and Academy not only help the underprivileged in socie,ty but also help hone the skills of hundreds of Spanish children. At the same time, the Academy also provides these children with quality education, thus helping in the all-round development of the Spanish youth.
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