The world's number one-ranked tennis champion, Rafael Nadal, has joined the Board of Directors of Best Buddies International and Best Buddies Spain (honorary member).  Best Buddies seeks to develop one-to-one friendships for those with intellectual disabilities.  Rafael will also serve as a Best Buddies Global Ambassador for Friendship--promoting goodwill, inclusion, and fellowship.

Announced by Best Buddies Founder, Anthony Kennedy Shriver, the non-profit is pleased to have the Olympic Gold Medalist's support of its mission in Spain.  Founded in 1989, the organization operates in 41 countries, utilizing volunteers for cultivating one-to-one friendships with those with intellectual disabilities.  Their service equates to more than $70 million.  Around the world, more than 400,000 people have been positively helped and encouraged by Best Buddies. The goal is to assist those with intellectual disabilities to become part of mainstream society.  By 2010 the organization hopes  to reach more than 500,000 people worldwide.

Rafael Nadal was recently a Gold Medal winner in tennis during the Summer Olympics in Beijing.  He's also won in the finals at both the French Open and Wimbledon. Nadal too will receive the Prince of Asturias Sports Award in Spain, which will be presented by HRH Crown Prince Felipe.

Anthony K. Shriver is a graduate of Georgetown University, and has been recognized for his work on behalf of Best Buddies International with such honors as the 2005 Excellence in Mentoring Award for Programmatic Leadership; the 2004 President's Call to Service Award by the President of the United States' Council on Service & Civic Participation; the 1999 Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service by an Individual 35 Years or Younger; the 1998 Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award; and an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Loyola College. Mr. Shriver additionally is a founding member of the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders.

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