 “I want a clean sport, not only in tennis but in all sports”. Justine Henin’s strong commitment to the values of integrity and fair play prompted her to join UNESCO in its efforts to eliminate doping from sport. “I’m going to get involved in this fight and I’m going to give everything I have”, she said at the designation ceremony at Roland-Garros, on 14 December 2006.
On that occasion, UNESCO’s Director-General, Koïchiro Matsuura, stated that he was honoured to welcome the first female athlete among UNESCO’s Champions for Sport, and expressed confidence that Justine Henin would play an important role in raising awareness among young athletes to the dangers of doping in sport.
“I am delighted this exemplary champion has accepted to use her fame to serve the fight against doping in sport and the education of young people. These are major societal challenges that require our entire attention and commitment”, Mr Matsuura said.
Justine Henin was born in Belgium in 1982. A three-time winner of the French Open over four years, she has won 29 titles to date, including the U.S. Open, the Australian Open and a Gold Medal in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. She is currently ranked number one by the Women’s Tennis Association.
Justine Henin’s role as a Champion for Sport will involve promoting the International Convention against Doping in Sport, which entered into force on 1 February 2007.
> View the video of Justine Henin at the designation ceremony: English | Français
> Address of Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of the designation ceremony (PDF, in French)
> Justine Henin’s official website
> UNESCO Champions for Sport
Photo: © UNESCO/M. Ravassard |
