Google News
Félix Auger-Aliassime was awarded the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award. An honor given to him for his humanitarian commitment. And the Canadian player, in a long interview on the ATP website, declares himself very happy.
"When I was told I would receive the 2023 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award, I was pleasantly surprised. It was fantastic news. I'm happy to be recognized not only for what I do as a tennis player, but as a person. My father, Sam, grew up in Togo, a country where he didn't have many educational opportunities or access to sports.
Since moving to Canada, it has always been important to him to give back to his family and the other people he knew in Togo. He always told our family stories about his time there and the lack of resources that families struggle with.
Obviously when you're a kid you don't really understand."
Auger Aliassime supports the children of Togo
"Since 2020 I have been collaborating with BNP Paribas in the #FAAPointsForChange program. For every point won since the start of the 2020 season, $20 has been donated to EduChange, created by the NGO CARE, to help children in the Kara region of Togo.
The funds have helped set up educational support groups, provided school kits and vocational training, provided educational materials for schools and more to protect children and give them access to education and sport. Almost 400,000 dollars were allocated to the cause, helping more than 2,500 children," explained Felix.
Aliassime was also personally in Togo, a visit postponed several times due to the pandemic: "I was immediately struck by the spirit of the people. With the little they have materially, the kids always find ways to have fun.
" Among the most recent activities, for example, an orphanage has been renovated with an entire library. Internet access has been created in the village. "Being there physically, closes Auger Aliassime, I think it was important for them, I'm also grateful that my family is very involved in helping improve the project," he said.