Elina Svitolina announces new tennis foundation to create opportunities for children

INDIAN WELLS, CA, USA -- This week's 2019 BNP Paribas Open semifinalist and current World No. 6 Elina Svitolina has announced that she will launch the Elina Svitolina Foundation at TbarM Racquet Club in Dallas, Texas on Monday, March 18, 2019.

“I’m very excited to formally launch my foundation next week in Dallas, Texas,” said Svitolina, the reigning WTA Finals champion. “Tennis is a great sport that has created wonderful opportunities for me and I want to do my best to open doors for children to learn and excel in the sport. My goal is to help others by connecting people and resources worldwide.”

The mission of the Elina Svitolina Foundation is to encourage children, through the sport of tennis, to learn the values of hard work, self-discipline and the importance of giving 100 percent every day in life. The foundation will help create opportunities through scholarships, after-school programs, camps, and special events.

Svitolina became interested in creating her own foundation a year ago. The Ukrainian conducted clinics donating her time and talent at the Bush Tennis Center in Midland, Texas, through the Ace Outreach Program, always encouraging children to “give 100 percent every day.” It was during this clinic that the idea for a foundation to help even more children around the world came to fruition.

“When Elina walked on the court with kids, I could see both the kids and Elina light up with excitement,” said Tim Stallard, the executive director of the Bush Tennis Center. “She was a natural and her passion and desire to encourage the children was evident throughout the day, and it obviously had a signifcant impact on her."

"We are so appreciative of Elina’s support and time and honored to help her establish her foundation,” Stallard added. 

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Former U.S. President George W. Bush and U.S. Davis Cup team captain Mardy Fish both released statements of congratulations and support for Svitolina.

"[My wife] Laura and I recognize WTA Finals champion Elina Svitolina for her accomplishments on the courts and for her remarkable work with the Bush Tennis Center to help children in need," stated Bush, the 43rd President of the United States. "These efforts are inspiring and show that much can be achieved when we work together for a greater cause."

"I would like to congratulate Elina Svitolina on her new foundation that will help children worldwide through the sport of tennis," Fish stated. "Elina's efforts to help children in the U.S. through the ACE Outreach Program at the Bush Tennis Center is especially important to me."

"I have made several trips to Midland to help support the work of the Bush Tennis Center and I have seen frst-hand the positive impact on the kids in West Texas," Fish continued. "I look forward to returning to Texas on March 18th to help Elina with a junior clinic at TbarM Racquet Club and to celebrate the launch of her foundation."

Please visit www.elinasvitolinafoundation.org for more information.