2020 was a tough year for everyone. The coronavirus pandemic swept through the world, causes huge losses of life. Doing his bit during this hard time, World No. 2 and 20-time Grand Slam champ Rafael Nadal laid the foundation of positivity as he was conferred with the Sports Values Award by Spanish media outlet Diario Sport.

For an online gala event, Nadal joined in from his home and spoke a few words about the responsibility and values all elite athletes hold. Positivity was the motto for Nadal as he congratulated other winners of the awards, which included soccer star Lionel Messi and badminton ace Carolina Marin. He said:

“Well, good to everyone, I am very excited to receive this award from Diario Sport, that is not only focused on sporting merits but also on the values ​​that we can represent as athletes… I also do want to take the opportunity to congratulate the rest of the winners, thanks to all of you for representing the world of sport in such a positive way.” 

(Quotes have been translated from Spanish using Google Translate)

Nadal acknowledged the loss the world has faced due to COVID-19 and that slowly the world will come up again. 2020 was a tough year, and thus Nadal felt that sport played a huge part in bringing hope to people. He said:

“Perhaps it is not the year that we will remember in our lives due to the issue of the virus that has resulted in a brutal health crisis, but also a social and economic crisis. Let’s trust that little by little we can get out of this problem that is hitting us in such a strong way.”

Rafael Nadal on the role sports plays to bring in positivity and hope

Sport has the power to transmit hope in society, and various sports stars have the responsibility to bring in positivity with their craft. The award probably symbolizes this fact, and Nadal also recognized this. He said:

“I believe that sport somehow has a little bit of this flag to convey hope and transmitting positive values ​​for society… For this reason, I am especially excited that Diario Sport has thought of me as a positive reference to these values. So thank you very much and we hope that next year at the gala we can already be in person as we all wish.”

Trending

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

‘Have Him F**King Walk Out with Rafa’- Andy Roddick Imagines Emotional Scenario That Brings Roger Federer Together with His Beloved Rival

April 24, 2024 12:02 PM EDT

‘Got Them a $92,000 Motor Home’- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Rick Macci Reveals Lavish Money Spent Based on ‘King’ Richard’s Confidence

February 14, 2023 09:40 PM EST

Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance

April 23, 2024 04:07 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Tennis will hopefully move forward positively in 2021. Slowly we may return to our old normal, where we can have a full crowd in the stadiums and players can play without restrictions. As Nadal said, we need hope and thus the Spaniard will try his best as an elite athlete to bring a change to the world.

WTA Tour Makes a Triumphant Return with a Vibrant Announcement of Tennis Event in China