Murray receives Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award for Ukraine reduction effort

Andy Murray was named because the 2022 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award recipient in recognition of his help for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of its neighbour, with the previous world primary elevating greater than $630,000.

Briton Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, stated in March he would donate all his prize cash gained from tournaments within the yr in direction of support efforts for youngsters affected by the battle, which Russia has referred to as a “particular army operation”.

“Homes have been bombed and households have been displaced,” Murray stated in a press release. “Younger kids have been affected by this, with many injured and in some instances dying. I wasn’t certain what I may do to assist.

“I made a decision that from Indian Wells onwards, I’d donate my prize cash for the remainder of the season to UNICEF’s humanitarian response — the ultimate whole was simply over $630,000.

“It appeared like one thing that will give me some further motivation this yr. I believed I may additionally increase consciousness and hopefully get others concerned in serving to, too.”

Murray’s particular person whole falls just under a joint donation of $700,000 made by the ATP, WTA, ITF in addition to the 4 Grand Slams earlier this yr. Former world primary Roger Federer had additionally donated $500,000.

“There are 7.5 million kids in Ukraine and after greater than 9 months of elevated battle, 5.2 million of them are in want of help,” Murray stated.

“Whenever you see photos of kids on the information who have been impacted… that makes it much more troublesome to abdomen. I’ve 4 younger kids who’re lucky all the things is okay with them… However being a father or mother, it impacts you in another way.”

Tatyana Fannouch, a UNICEF Programme Specialist stated from Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine, that Murray’s donation meant they may supplied medical provides and providers to kids together with those that fled their houses for security.

“We’ve reached susceptible households in hard-to-reach areas with life-saving provides and safety providers. For all this help that you simply (Murray) supplied for the youngsters of Ukraine, thanks,” Fannouch stated.