BELLEVUE, Wash. — Sports and physical activity are scientifically proven to have positive effects on mental health. Exercise triggers the body to release endorphins, brain chemicals that relieve pain and stress. It also lowers levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. There is a strong, complex relationship between poverty and mental health, with the two factors having a significant impact on the other. Financial insecurity, poor living conditions and unemployment can increase the risk of chronic stress and depression, which in turn can affect a person’s job performance and ability to find or keep employment. Three professional tennis players have recognized this connection and founded nonprofit organizations that use sports to fight poverty.
Rafael Nadal: Rafa Nadal Foundation
The first professional tennis player to fight poverty is Rafael Nadal. Many people consider Nadal to be the world’s best male tennis player, a status highlighted by his 22 Grand Slam singles wins and 209 total weeks at number one. In addition to his achievements on the tennis court, Nadal has also been successful with his nonprofit organization, Fundacion Rafa Nadal. Nadal recognized his wealth and wanted to give back to the community that supported him. He considers tennis a crucial part of his nonprofit organization, not only because it is his passion, but also because it drives social change. His foundation supports underprivileged children in India and youth with intellectual disabilities in Spain through sports, educational activities and psychological care, ensuring that they have equal opportunities regardless of their status.
Nick Kyrgios: NK Foundation
Kyrgios, a professional Australian tennis player, has been very open about his past mental health struggles, including depression and using alcohol as a coping mechanism. He says he has made significant progress since that low point. Although tennis is an important part of his life, he finds the most fulfillment in working for the Nick Kyrgios (NK Foundation). Kyrgios wants to create a facility in Melbourne where impoverished children can exercise, get food, and sleep if they need it. He is currently scouting possible locations for the center and looking for partnerships with local businesses. Kyrgios devotes his energy to this project when he is not playing tennis, trying to use his sport to fight poverty in Australia.
Elina Svitolina: Svitolina Foundation
Svitolina is the most successful tennis player in Ukrainian history, both men’s and women’s. She reached her highest world ranking to date and won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Ukraine’s first in tennis. When Russia attacked Ukraine, Svitolina took action to support young athletes who suddenly found themselves homeless. Her Tennis Without Borders program ran for six months and supported 90 athletes and their families. These Ukrainians living abroad did not have to worry about the costs of accommodation, food and tennis training. Svitolina used sport to fight poverty and ensure that athletes from her country were not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
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Rafael Nadal, Nick Kyrgios and Elina Svitolina have used their tennis careers to fight poverty and promote mental health. Through Fundacion Rafa Nadal, NK Foundation and Svitolina Foundation, these professional tennis players provide critical resources and opportunities to disadvantaged communities and displaced athletes. Their efforts highlight the important role sport can play in addressing socioeconomic challenges and improving overall well-being.
– Sophia Manole
Sophia lives in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on celebrities for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
