New UNICEF Ambassador Federer Says Sport Teaches Life Lessons

"Roger Federer will bring extraordinary energy and talents to working with UNICEF to improve the lives of children throughout the world," UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman said on Monday. "Roger is not just a role model for aspiring athletes, but for all those who believe that we have the power and responsibility to make the world a better place for children."

Federer was joined by Grammy award winner Shakira, also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, with the sultry singer presenting the Swiss with his UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador's pin.

Federer joins Shakira, David Beckham, Youssou N'dour, Vanessa Redgrave, Roger Moore and the late Danny Kaye and Audrey Hepburn as celebrity ambassadors who bring attention to children suffering in parts of the world deprived of resources.

"I may have achieved a lot on the court, but I would also like to try to achieve more now off the court," Federer said. "That's one of my big goals in the future so I would like to thank Miss Veneman and Mr. Ogi for introducing me as the Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and I am very, very honored and proud and it's really a privilege for me to continue this great tradition of UNICEF."

The Swiss said his achievements have made him even more aware of the suffering of children around the world, and have strengthened his desire to bring awareness to their plight.

"I have been lucky in life and able to pursue my passion for tennis," Federer said. "It's important to me to help the many children throughout the world who do not have the basic resources they need. My parents have always stressed the importance of giving back and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to do so with my foundation in South Africa - my mom being from South Africa, so it is one of my dreams to give something back to -- also off the court because I have been very fortunate to have made it in tennis."

Federer also spoke about his personal foundation and a recent trip to Africa.

"I had the opportunity to visit the South African Township last year to see for myself what the situation was like there and to see how my foundation has impacted the children involved," Federer said. "I learned so much and walked away even more inspired to help their cause. These children are so little but have so much hope, we want to give them school and the kids were singing and dancing welcoming me to South Africa. They had a shirt on with the motto: "I am tomorrow's future." They were so happy to see us there. And made me so emotional because I felt so welcomed."

Like other players such as former Wimbledon runner-up MaliVai Washington whose foundation runs a tennis and tutoring program for children, Federer says sport teaches valuable life lessons to be carried into the world.

"I share UNICEF's belief about sports teaching important life lessons about respect, leadership, cooperation," Federer said. "I believe that sport can help overcome justice and build bridges between cultures and nations. As a tennis player we have a unique opportunity. We are given a chance to visit so many different countries and cultures and interact with people from all walks of life. It is our responsibility to connect with the real world beyond our sport; use our fortune to make a difference in the lives of those who most need it."