So much has been written and said about Vijay Amritraj, that one
needs to spotlight those aspects of his life that take him
beyond just another celebrity with a foundation. In fact when I
looked at the facts, it seemed that Vijay had been preparing for
the foundation all his life.
The most enduring image I have of Vijay is of him applauding
Jimmy Connors’ shot in the middle of the match of his life
(Wimbledon Quarter-finals 1981). A gentleman with values that go
beyond winning to caring.
 In fact, Vijay’s best moments have been off the tennis court.
For starters, earning the respect of his compatriots -being
elected for 5 terms as the President of ATP Tour Player Council.
Then, as Lead Anchor and Host of ESPN Star Sports for Wimbledon;
US Open as well as PGA events, he is one of the most
recognizable faces and figures in the world of high profile
sports.
Through his numerous acts of giving back like establishing the
Britannia Amritraj Tennis Academy to help deserving players – a
unique program that provides, training, funding and even
boarding and lodging. Or, his role as the UN Messenger of Peace.
Or carrying the Olympic Torch at Seoul, he has made an impact on
the world around him, as well as become a symbol of India in the
International world.
Vijay acts on his belief of receiving through giving and his
life is a testimony to that spirit. Each of his successes can be
traced back to the acts of giving with humility, be it his
sportsmanship, his talent, his time or his business acumen.
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A Special Message from Vijay
Dear Friend,
Since my appointment as a United Nations
Messenger of Peace, I have seen first hand the
magnitude of plight and suffering that exists
around us. The more I saw, the more it became
obvious to me that something had to be done to
help millions who continue to succumb to
disease, tragedy and circumstance.
As a result, I have started a charitable
foundation to make a difference in the lives of
the innocent, underprivileged and overwhelmed
people in India. Through the Vijay Amritraj
Foundation, we all can reach out and extend the
helping hand of humanity.
The first fundraising event of the foundation
was a tremendous success. With the support of
people like yourself, and companies throughout
the world, the foundation supported
Pediatric
HIV/AIDS homes in Delhi, a
Blind School in
Karnataka, a
home of the aged in Chennai, and a
mission that cares for
HIV/AIDS infected adults
and
mentally ill patients in Cochin.
I am proud to announce the
3rd Annual Charity
Golf Classic & Gala Banquet in support of
charities throughout India.
The Golf Classic will be held once again at the
prestigious Lost Canyons Golf Club in Simi
Valley California. The Gala Banquet will be held
at the Beverly Hilton, home of the Golden Globe
Awards, in Beverly Hills, California, USA.
The mission of the Vijay Amritraj Foundation is
to provide assistance to the forgotten; The
Charities without a voice. These are often the
smaller charities of India who do not have the
ability to raise money or awareness for their
causes. They are charities serving children and
adults who face extreme challenges in life;
HIV/AIDS, Family Abandonment, and individuals
Ostracized by society for their illness.
Warm regards
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Vijay's Honors
●
President of ATP Tour Council 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994
● Since 1991, Lead Anchor and Host of
Wimbledon, US Open for ESPN Star Sports
● Appointed United Nations Messenger of Peace on February 9,
2001
● Awarded the prestigious Pierre Coubertin
Award by the United Nations in Paris in November 1988
● Awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India, for
enhancing the prestige of India
● Carried the Olympic Torch at the 1988
Seoul Olympics
● Named Davis Cup Centennial Ambassador by the Int. Tennis
Federation in 1999
● Awarded the Key to the City by Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley
● First Asian unanimously elected to Honorary Membership to the
All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon
2008 The Vijay Amritraj
Foundation - "In Giving We Receive"
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