Lee Chong Wei appointed a UNICEF goodwill ambassador Badminton's world-number-one Lee Chong Wei has been appointed a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, joining the ranks of soccer's David Beckham and tennis champion Roger Federer. "I am determined to maintain a good image and be a good role model. Hopefully, I will be able to inspire many children along the way," Lee said according to The Star newspaper. The 27-year-old Malaysian joins an illustrious roll-call of sports personalities representing the UN Children's Fund including cricket legend Ravi Shastri and tennis star Ana Ivanovic. UNICEF representative to Malaysia, Youssouf Oomar, said Lee was loved by "every Malaysian" and made an ideal role model for young citizens. "Lee is not just a champion in badminton but he is also a champion in promoting child welfare. He is a source of inspiration, he is a role model and has shown his interest and commitment to champion the child's cause," he said. Lee reportedly said he wants to become involved in UNICEF programmes this year, when he is not away at international tournaments. "It is one of my responsibilities as an international player to help those in need and to promote children's programmes," he told the Star. The Malaysian champ, who was victorious in the World Super Series Masters Finals last year, is now heading for the All-England and Swiss Open Super Series tournaments in Europe. "I am truly honoured to leave tomorrow for the All-England as an UNICEF ambassador. As a badminton player, I would like to bring good cheer to the children by doing well," he said. Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090227/en_afp/badmintonmasunicef;_ylt=AsgBCQwn0ZM6ssIs8RhZ6eJxFb8C
Congrats to LCW! Clearly a recognition of both his achievement in badminton and his role model character. Is this the first time a badminton World No 1 is appointed? I wonder what criteria UNICEF apply to select one?
Every UN agency working in the field (like the UNHCR, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNIDO, UNESCO, WHO) has a set of goodwill ambassadors. (Please click on the links to see the UNICEF lists) International Goodwill Ambassadors Regional Goodwill Ambassadors National Goodwill Ambassadors PS: The webmaster hasn't yet added Lee Chong Wei.
click on the link to read more about this. http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2009/2/27/sports/3362355&sec=sports
Thanks, Oldhand. Interesting List. wow, Pierce Brosnan is Ireland's first Goodwill Ambassador. Guess they have to have the stature to generate goodwill besides being distinctive in their field. It's a first for badminton.Great to see badminton recognised.