Federer takes up UN childrens' challenge

Apr 3, 2006, 19:14 GMT

New York - World number 1 Roger Federer Monday accepted an appointment as UNICEF's newest goodwill ambassador in a ceremony a day after he won his fourth title of the season.

The Swiss made a planned stopover in New York to accept the honour after lifting the Miami Masters trophy Sunday.

'I'm very proud and honoured, we share the same sort of vision,' said Federer, who funds his own charity in South Africa aimed at underprivileged children.

'I'm very happy to see that they're (UN) working together with the ATP, too. I think that's a very important step. I'm looking forward to trying to help kids and children around the world.'

Grammy award winner Shakira, also a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, joined Federer at UNICEF Headquarters.

She presented Federer with the UNICEF pin: 'Welcome, Roger. It's great what you've been doing with your foundation and you now plan to expand to the world through UNICEF.'

Other ambassadors include David Beckham, Youssou N'dour, Vanessa Redgrave, Roger Moore and the late Danny Kaye and Audrey Hepburn.

Also Monday, Federer joined more than 500 guests including fellow sports stars and government leaders as The Report on the International Year of Sport and Physical Education 2005 was presented to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

In 2003 the tennis player established the Roger Federer Foundation to fund projects benefiting disadvantaged children, primarily in South Africa where his mother was raised, and to promote sports for young people.