World no 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic became a new goodwill ambassador for the UN Fund for Children on Wednesday, joining an impressive list of athletes and celebrities to hold the post.
The 28-year-old Serbian, who grew up during the Balkans war, has already reached out to vulnerable children through his Novak Djokovic Foundation and his role as UNICEF Serbia ambassador.
Novak Djokovic joins other celebrities as UNICEF ambassadors. Image: Google
“I am honoured to have become a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, and to continue to help defend and uphold children’s rights and provide access to early childhood care and development for every girl and every boy,” said Djokovic, who has severally described tennis as a “blessing”.
“Unfortunately in my country and in many disadvantaged rural areas around the world children live in such circumstances that they are discouraged to dream,” he told reporters.
“UNICEF has inspired my foundation to determine the mission of working on the early childhood development,” he said.
Djokovic and wife Jelena run the Novak Djokovic Foundation. Image: Google
Yoka Brandt, UNICEF deputy executive director, said Djokovic was a “true champion” for children around the world.
“He has shown that a powerful voice and powerful actions can make a difference for children, especially when they are very young,” she said.
Djokovic, who holds 54 titles including nine Grand Slams, joins other famous goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, including David Beckham, Katy Perry, Roger Moore, Shakira and Serena Williams.
The Serbian tops the field going into the US Open, which starts at Flushing Meadows in New York on Monday. He has been a US Open finalist in four of the last five years.
Source: AFP
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