Petra Kvitova named Right to Play ambassador

Petra Kvitova

Hong Kong, Jan 1 (IANS)

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has been named global ambassador for Right To Play, an organisation that educates and empowers more than one million children around the world through sports.

The announcement was made Wednesday in Hong Kong, where Kvitova is training for the Shenzhen Open, reports Xinhua.

"I'm so excited to be a global athlete ambassador for Right To Play," Kvitova, who is currently ranked No.4 but who has been as high as No.2, commented.

"It's a charity whose work I really believe in - giving children the opportunity to learn through sport is a cause that's very close to my heart."

Right To Play was founded in 2000 by Johann Koss, a four-time Olympic gold medallist in speed skating.

"Petra Kvitova is a remarkable athlete and we are very excited to have her join our team," said Koss, Right To Play founder, president and CEO.

"Her tremendous success as one of the top tennis stars in the game, combined with her dedication to children will bring invaluable awareness to our work."

Kvitova joins an international team of over 300 volunteer athlete ambassadors from 40 countries and regions.