Tennis Update: Samantha Stosur and Andy Roddick do charity for Queensland flood victims
The government of Queensland, a state in North Australia, is calling it a disaster of “biblical proportions”. Although it may be unsettling to accept it, the term is putting it aptly, given the destruction caused by the recent
floods in Queensland. The damage caused is so huge that almost everyone is doing their best to help the victims and alleviate their problems.
Tennis players, from both the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), have recently arrived in Brisbane to participate in the season opener, the 2011 Brisbane International tennis tournament.
In trying to do their part for the victims, top seed in the women’s singles draw, Samantha Stosur has pledged 100 dollars for every ace that she serves during the event. Given the personal experience she went through in 1987, the situation hits close to home
and Stosur wants to do everything she can to help the victims.
Announcing her charity efforts, Stosur said, “The way the people of Queensland have been affected by the floods is really close to my heart. I only remember a few details of what happen to my family in 1987 but it turned our way
of life upside down and was devastating to my family. We lost everything, photos, furniture, all our possessions apart from what we were wearing. It could have been a lot worse as my younger brother’s cot was completely submerged in water but he was in my
parent’s bed that night. I also remember Daniel diving for my mum’s wedding ring which she lost in the water – he found it. I guess this is why I felt it is important for me to try and give something back. I am Queenslander and I want to help even in a small
way. When you are in this kind of situation every little bit helps and I hope my small contribution does just that.”
Appreciating the gesture, defending champion Andy Roddick showed solidarity to the victims as well as to the cause also by pledging 100 dollars for every ace that he serves during the tournament. Given the noble cause, here it
is hoping they serve as many aces and win their matches.
Following the two generous tennis players was Tournament Director Steve Ayles, who praised their efforts and pledged five thousand dollars from the event for the cause. He said, “From the coverage I have seen these floods have
caused so much heartache for many Queenslanders and we want to make some sort of contribution to helping ease the pain. “
Roddick and Stosur join Robin Soderling, Fernando Verdasco, Shahar Pe’er and Nadia Petrova at the event, which kicks off on Monday.
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