Félix Auger-Aliassime, the seventh-ranked tennis player in the world, has a unique perspective on life, shaped by his experiences in Canada, Europe, and his father's homeland, Togo. At just 13 years old, Auger-Aliassime's first trip to Togo was a pivotal moment in his life, one that opened his eyes to the harsh realities of life in the West African country.
Auger-Aliassime's father, Sam, was born in Togo and emigrated to Canada before his son's birth. The young tennis player had heard stories about his father's homeland, but nothing could have prepared him for the reality of life in Togo. The conditions, the poverty, and the limited access to education and resources were a far cry from the comforts of his life in Canada. Yet, despite the challenges, Auger-Aliassime was struck by the kindness and contentment of the people he met, who, despite living in difficult circumstances, had smiles on their faces and a positive outlook on life.
It's not quite the reality you imagine, but it's the people that make the difference. They have good spirits, they're kind to each other, and they're positive, despite the challenges they face.
Auger-Aliassime's experiences in Togo had a profound impact on him, and he soon felt compelled to take action. In 2020, he partnered with the humanitarian aid organization Care to support thousands of people in Togo. His fundraising efforts, including the #FAAPointsForChange initiative, have been incredibly successful, with Auger-Aliassime donating $5 for each point he wins on the tour to benefit children in Togo. His partner, BNP Paribas, has tripled the amount, and the funds have been invested in a variety of initiatives, including:
These initiatives have directly affected over 2,700 people, and Auger-Aliassime is committed to continuing his charitable work. The impact of his efforts is already being felt, and he believes that it will have a lasting impact on the lives of the people in Togo.
Auger-Aliassime's most recent trip to Togo preceded one of the most significant runs of his career. After a difficult period, during which he had fallen to No 29 in the ATP rankings, he regrouped and refocused. He worked on his physical fitness and tactical approach to the game, and the results were impressive. He caught fire in the US hard-court swing, reaching his second career grand slam semi-final at the US Open, and ended his season by winning his eighth career title in Brussels and reaching the semi-finals of the ATP Finals.
Auger-Aliassime's quiet hard work and dedication have paid off, and he is now firmly established as one of the top players in the world. His professionalism, humility, and diligence have earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of fans around the world. As he continues to compete at the highest level, Auger-Aliassime remains committed to his charitable work and to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
With his eyes opened to the realities of life in Togo, Auger-Aliassime has found a new sense of purpose and direction. His experiences have taught him the value of kindness, compassion, and generosity, and he is determined to use his platform to make a difference. As he looks to the future, Auger-Aliassime is excited to see the impact that his charitable work will have, and he is committed to continuing to inspire and motivate others to get involved and make a positive difference in the world.
Original: The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Written by Npsports
