Alcaraz launches foundation to support children in need

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All eyes will be on Carlos Alcaraz’s pursuit of a three-peat at the Mutua Madrid Open, where the Spaniard has already made news off the court. The 20-year-old on Wednesday announced the launch of the Carlos Alcaraz Garfia Foundation, which will aim to improve the lives of children in need.

“Today is a very special day for me”, said Alcaraz, who is the foundation’s president. “I think many athletes are in a privileged position and we have the chance to help those in need, in this case by improving their childhoods. Our foundation is beginning its life with small decisive steps, with the aim of gradually improving the lives of those who need it. I can’t wait to do my bit to help”.

The foundation is initially focusing on creating strong foundations and a clear action plan based on caring for children in need, networking and seeking new solutions.

Headquartered in El Palmar, the foundation has already begun activities with local schools. Social sports initiatives have reached more than 120 children, helping promote equal opportunities for the disadvantaged.

“When I was a little boy, what I wanted was to play," Alcaraz said. "It didn’t matter if it was tennis, if it was football. In the end, it was about playing. It was about sharing that moment with other kids, with your friends. I remember it with special fondness and it’s something very beautiful.”

Moving forward, the foundation will promote initiatives in three areas:

• Social inclusion: Using sport as a source of values for children and also as an instrument that allows their living conditions to be improved.
• Improved health: The focus will be on using movement as a tool for improving the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of the children.
• Raising awareness of the problems faced by the most vulnerable children and solutions to help them.

“Sports transmit very good values,” Alcaraz said. “If you practise it from a young age, discipline and fellowship as well. Much beyond winning or losing, I’ve always seen sports as enjoyment.”

Learn more on the foundation's official website.