Roger Federer, a name synonymous with greatness on the tennis court, also holds another impressive title: dedicated philanthropist. Unlike many, Federer didn’t wait until later in life to give back. He began his philanthropic journey as a teenager, founding the Roger Federer Foundation in 2003.

With a focus on helping children, the foundation’s first project took root in South Africa, his mother’s homeland. This focus on Africa reflects Federer’s deep connection to the continent.

To mark this momentous 20th anniversary, Federer shared a video on social media. Alongside the foundation’s CEO, he reminisced about their two-decade-long journey.

“The Roger Federer Foundation turns 20 this year,” he stated, reflecting on the milestone. “Signing the founding documents on Christmas Eve of 2003 with my parents feels like yesterday. Back then, at 22, I never imagined how incredibly exciting and fulfilling this path would be.”

Education has always been the cornerstone for Federer and the foundation. It’s their way of empowering children to change the world, with education being the crucial first step. The video proudly highlights the foundation’s impact, reaching over 2.5 million children to date.

“For me, this is the best anniversary gift I could imagine,” Federer beamed. “I’m immensely proud of every single beneficiary for what they’ve achieved with the little support we’ve given them.”

Expressing his gratitude, he added, “I would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the past two decades. These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without you.”

Since his retirement, Federer has dedicated more time to the foundation, and it appears to be at the heart of his future endeavors. This 20th-anniversary celebration serves as a testament to Federer’s unwavering commitment to empowering children through education.