Mirnyi Named UNICEF National Ambassador For Belarus

© UNICEFUNICEF Ambassador Max Mirnyi gives a masterclass for aspiring tennis players in Svetlogorsk.

Doubles World No. 5 Max Mirnyi has been named a UNICEF National Ambassador for Belarus, in recognition of his commitment to the rights of children around the world and long-term collaboration with UNICEF Belarus CO.

While Mirnyi is now a doubles specialist, he also enjoyed a good singles career, finishing in the Top 50 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings for seven straight years, as well as representing Belarus in Davis Cup competition since April 1994.

He holds eight Grand Slam titles, winning the men's doubles trophies at the US Open in 2000 and 2002 and at Roland Garros in 2005-2006, and capturing the mixed doubles crowns at the US Open in 1998 and 2007 and at Wimbledon in 1998. In February 2004, after an epic Davis Cup win over Russia, the Belarus President awarded him with the highest Government title, “Orden Otechestva”.

The 34-year-old Mirnyi has supported UNICEF activities in Belarus since 2004, when he assisted with fundraising events for the most vulnerable children and children suffering from cancer. Thereafter, he regularly participated in UNICEF campaigns, promoting healthy life style, legal education for children and early childhood development approaches.

“UNICEF Belarus has been cooperating with Max Mirnyi for several years. He has always demonstrated genuine commitment to building a better world for children and set a personal example of what is to be a good son and father. Thus, appointment of Max Mirnyi as UNICEF National Ambassador is a logical step forward in the UNICEF-Mirnyi friendship and will strengthen our work for the sake of Belarus children,”  said Mr. Oksamitniy, UNICEF Belarus Representative.

In his new role as a UNICEF National Ambassador, Mirnyi will use his fame and personal interest in children’s issues to support UNICEF’s mission to attract attention to the most vulnerable children, to promote healthy lifestyle, a responsible parenting approach and participate in HIV and AIDS prevention campaigns.

Mirnyi said, “Undoubtedly it is a significant landmark in my life and I treat it with great responsibility. I have excellent relations with my Dad and I myself am a father of three kids. That is why I have an acute sentience to children’s needs all over the world and particularly in Belarus. I wish every child had a harmonious life and had possibilities for the fullest development. In the role of UNICEF Ambassador, I will do my utmost to turn it into a reality and make children’s lives as happy as possible.”

In Svetlogorsk, Mirnyi gave a masterclass for young tennis players and every child got an individual drill with the UNICEF Ambassador. Mirnyi  then visited the Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Special Needs.