Nadal starts new foundation

MANACOR, Spain, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Spaniard Rafael Nadal, the world No. 2 men's tennis player, Wednesday launched a foundation to focus on social work, development and various charity projects.

"I am doing very well and I owe society," the 21-year-old Nadal said at the start of the Rafa Nadal Foundation in his native town, Manacor, on the island of Mallorca.

The foundation will seek to promote "sport as an integration tool for those groups in most need," focusing particularly on childhood and youth.

"The truth is we live great here, and if I can contribute something with my image, I will. This can be the beginning of my future and when I retire I will have more time."

It will be chaired by his mother, Ana Maria Parera.

His father, Sebastian, will be vice-chairman and his uncle and coach Toni Nadal and his agent, former tennis player Carlos Costa, also will be involved.