Ash Barty and Rado mark the launch of the Ash Barty Foundation with surprise donation to Toowomba community. January 30, 2024 17:08

Rado was proud to be part of a special event dedicated to the official launch of the Ash Barty Foundation (AB Foundation) on the 15th of January at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in Australia.

In one of the AB Foundation’s first initiatives, Ash and Rado paired up to surprise children in the Toowoomba region with a generous donation of tennis equipment. The young students from Toowoomba East State School and Toowoomba Anglican School were delighted when the Australian superstar personally presented them with Ash Barty HEAD Junior racquets at the Toowoomba Tennis Club, before helping them test their new gear on court in a special clinic. In addition to the two schools present on the day, new tennis nets were installed at a further six tennis clubs and Ash Barty Junior racquets were sent to all 29 of the primary schools in the region.

Toowoomba is a place that holds fond memories for Ash Barty. As a junior, she won the Easter tournament there, and frequently played in the local Pro Tour events, usually travelling with her family to compete. Rado’s support of the AB Foundation made it possible to surprise the budding young tennis stars in Toowoomba with a day they will never forget.

In a partnership spanning more than six years, Ash and Rado have collaborated frequently on philanthropic and watchmaking projects. Ash comments,
“Helping young people discover and pursue their own passions is something I feel very strongly about. I fell in love with tennis by chance. With help from the Rado family, we have been able to provide the children of Toowoomba with the opportunity to discover a passion that they can take with them through their life.”

“It’s our ability to work with partners such as Rado that make projects like the Toowoomba Surprise possible. Through our ongoing work through the AB foundation, we hope to provide many more opportunities to similar Aussie communities in the future.”

Rado CEO, Adrian Bosshard echoes the sentiment commenting, “Supporting growth and development opportunities for young people in the game of tennis is a legacy for both Ash, through her Foundation, and Rado, through our YoungStars program. We have already witnessed first-hand the effect that Ash has on the lives of young people in Australia and it’s our privilege to work with her to amplify the reach of the foundation’s activities.”

The Foundation launch featured guest speakers, entertainment, and an auction whose proceeds will go toward supporting the AB Foundation. One lucky bidder took home a specially engraved Rado x Ash Barty Centrix watch, which was presented by Rado CEO Adrian Bosshard who added, “Rado and Ash are a dream team. We are proud to have partnered with her long before she became the world’s top player and we’re thrilled to be able to support an initiative so close to her heart.”

View a video of the Toowoomba Surprise and Donation via the QR Code below:

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