- Rafael Nadal speaks to children from the Rafael Nadal Foundation on staying positive during lockdown, and how he trained from home without picking up a tennis racket
In the heartwarming conversation between Nadal and the group of children, he opened up about the difficulty he experienced during the first weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown and coming to terms with the situation. He also described his 20th Grand Slam victory as not being the same without his fans and loved ones being there to celebrate in person.
KIA brought the children together with Rafael as part of its #TakeOn20 campaign. The initiative, which launched in October, galvanized fans from around the world to support Rafael to his record-equaling 20th Grand Slam victory, despite being unable to physically travel to Paris to watch him. The campaign shed a light on the support everyone needs in this particularly tough year, and KIA committed to provide additional support to those most in need through the Rafael Nadal Foundation.
On the support that KIA has offered, and continues to offer, the Rafael Nadal Foundation, Nadal said, “KIA’s support is vital to allowing the Rafael Nadal Foundation to grow. With the extra resources, we can increase the number of children we can help as well as the quality of the programs we offer.”
The Rafael Nadal Foundation, which KIA has supported since it opened its doors, celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year. Through education and sports, the Foundation aims to help children and teenagers around the world by offering them equal opportunities. Discussing their goals, Rafael said, “Because of where these children were born and their family situation, they have an uncertain future. We want to provide them with the tools for their personal and social development.”
Artur Martins, Head of Global Brand & Customer Experience at KIA Motors Corporation, recognized the efforts of the Rafael Nadal Foundation and said, “To be able to support the Rafael Nadal Foundation brings us great pride here at KIA. The work the team across the world has been doing for these children over the last 10 years has been incredible and we hope our support will continue to make a difference.”
Throughout the online meeting, the children joked with the 20-time Grand Slam winner about their favorite sports, films and even what gym equipment Rafael had at home during the first few months of the pandemic.
The oldest member of the group, 15-year old Dani, describes the Foundation as being like a second family. Having been a part of the Foundation for four years, it has helped him with every part of his life and he has made lots of friends.
