Rafael Nadal launches Foundation, "I am doing very well and I owe society," says Rafa

Rafa makes good: As I wrote about last week Rafael Nadal, joined by the entire Nadal clan, launched the Rafa Nadal Foundation today at the Manacor Tennis Club in Mallorca, Spain. The Foundation will focus on social work and development aid and "seek to promote 'sport as an integration tool for those groups in most need," focusing particularly on childhood and youth.'" Ana Maria Parera, Rafa's mom, will chair the organization and father Sebastian will be vice-chairman. Coach and uncle Toni Nadal and his agent, former tennis player Carlos Costa, will also be involved.

The World No. 2 was interviewed about the Foundation and he had this to say:

On why Rafa decided to start a Foundation:
"This can be the beginning of my future, when I retire and have more time,[...] I am doing very well and I owe society, [...] A month-and-a-half ago I was in Chennai, in India. The truth is we live great here....I can contribute something with my image..."

On being inspired by the Red Cross benefit match with Real Madrid's Iker Casillas:
"We raised an amount of money that we would never have imagined. I have to thank Iker, my project partner, who went all out for it, [...] That is why the time has come to set up my own foundation and determine the destination of the money."

On the advice Roger Federer gave Rafa on being involved in philanthropy:
"I have talked a lot about this with Roger, and he tells me that when you are there it is something that fills you with satisfaction. And I think the time has come, it is a beautiful time for my life and for my career."

Big shout out to Down the Line reader Maxwell for the info!

(image via clarin.com)