The local council of Sant Llorenç has written an open letter to thank 11-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal for his recent support concerning the Mallorca floods.
A total of 13 people were killed when flooding hit the region, which is located on the east coast of Mallorca. In the aftermath of the devastation caused, Nadal was involved in the clean up operation. He also used his Tennis Academy on the island to provide shelter to those that have been affected.
“It is assistance from a person who is very special to us,” the letter reads. “Someone who shows his profound love for our land and our residents every day.”
It has been revealed that the Spaniard has donated €1 million to the cause. Although Nadal has not commented personally about his donation. Nadal’s contribution was made public by the mayor of Sant Llorenç, Mateu Puigrós. The donation will be added to the €1.6 million that has been raised so far to help the victims.
“We know of his immense affection and humanity that is as great as his talent and his results, we have seen this on and off the tennis courts,” Puigrós said in a video on Thursday.
Nadal has a home in Porto Cristo, which is located just 11km away from where the flooding hit. It has been confirmed that funds raised by a charity golf tournament organised by him will also be donated to those affected.
Earlier this year, the 32-year-old was presented with the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award for the second time in his career and the first since 2010. The ATP award recognises players for their fair play, professionalism and integrity on and off the court.
Nadal, who has been troubled by injury in recent months, is set to return to the court next week when he plays at the Mubadala Tennis Championships. The exhibition tournament is held in the UAE and also features Novak Djokovic, Kevin Anderson and Dominic Thiem.
