Imagine a world where every child has the chance to thrive through joyful play, building resilience and dreams for the future. Yet, starkly, millions of kids and teens are robbed of safe spaces to learn, grow, and flourish. This isn't just a sad reality—it's a call to action that's sparking global collaborations. But here's where it gets exciting: two powerhouse foundations are teaming up to rewrite the rules on child wellbeing. Stick around, because their approach might just challenge what you think about philanthropy and play.
HONG KONG, October 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The WEMP Foundation, which focuses on Wellbeing, Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Mental Health, and Parenting, and the Rafa Nadal Foundation are thrilled to join forces in a mission to enhance the overall health and happiness of children and young people worldwide through the power of play. Dr. Adrian Cheng, the visionary behind The WEMP Foundation, and Mr. Rafael Nadal, the inspirational founding patron of the Rafa Nadal Foundation, co-hosted 'The Children Ball — A Night of Hope, Strength and Inspiration' at Rosewood Hong Kong on October 24, 2025. Together, they're breaking down borders in their unified vision to build a welcoming world where every kid and teenager feels included and valued.
Countless young lives are missing out on secure environments to explore, develop, and succeed. By uniting their efforts, these organizations aim to dismantle obstacles in neglected neighborhoods, using sports and games as powerful catalysts for learning, psychological support, and self-empowerment. For instance, think of how a simple game of tennis could teach teamwork and boost confidence, or how playground activities can reduce stress and foster emotional strength—it's these everyday interactions that lay the groundwork for lasting change.
Dr. Adrian Cheng extended an invitation to Rafael Nadal to co-lead The Children Ball 2025, kicking off their alliance with the opening of Asia's pioneering Rafa Nadal Tennis Center Hong Kong, operated by Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar. Both leaders are passionately dedicated, firmly believing that nurturing kids' welfare is essential for a prosperous society ahead. This partnership not only mirrors their aligned principles but also underscores the vital role that community participation plays in charitable endeavors.
'Hong Kong is poised to emerge as a worldwide center for generosity, with robust financial systems and over 10,000 tax-exempt charities already thriving here,' stated Dr. Adrian Cheng, founder of The WEMP Foundation. 'Teaming up with a kindred spirit from Spain illustrates how bonds of friendship can amplify into worldwide change. The event honors WEMP's status as Hong Kong's biggest foundation dedicated to kids' mental health, boasting the most comprehensive school programs in the region, while reaffirming our dedication to deeply influencing children's emotional wellness. We're incredibly thankful to our backers and eager to establish Hong Kong as a top spot for humanitarian work.'
'It’s fantastic to reconnect with Adrian after our joint effort to introduce the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center Hong Kong. We both feel a duty to advocate for the younger crowd. We're focused on harnessing athletics to elevate the lives of youth globally,' added Mr. Rafael Nadal, founding patron of the Rafa Nadal Foundation. 'Complete wellbeing represents the ideal harmony of physical movement, personal development, and emotional toughness. Our goal is to unleash the capabilities of children and adolescents via sports, schooling, and guidance.'
Bound by a common conviction in the critical need for mental health resources, Dr. Cheng and Mr. Nadal, alongside their foundations, will persist in cultivating a more enduring charitable framework that benefits both those in need and the broader community.
Get involved with The WEMP Foundation and the Rafa Nadal Foundation to create real transformations in the lives of vulnerable individuals. Keep up with the latest by following @wempfoundation and @frnadal on Instagram ahead of The Children Ball.
Dr. Adrian Cheng, founder of The WEMP Foundation, and Mr. Rafael Nadal, founding patron of the Rafa Nadal Foundation, at the Meet-the-Press session on October 24, 2025, in Hong Kong.
(From right) Dr. Adrian Cheng of The WEMP Foundation, Mr. Rafael Nadal, and Ms. María Francisca Perelló of Rafa Nadal Foundation chatted about their partnership for The Children Ball at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in Manacor, Spain (Rafa’s hometown), earlier in mid-2025.
About The WEMP Foundation
Established by Dr. Adrian Cheng, The WEMP Foundation stands as Hong Kong's inaugural non-profit committed to the emotional health of disadvantaged kids and families, and it's the most significant Asian philanthropic entity championing children's mental wellness. Acting as a comprehensive collaboration hub, it unites children, caregivers, educational institutions, and local groups to promote mental health and instill optimistic mindsets through ongoing projects that support sustainable growth. For beginners dipping their toes into this world, think of it as a supportive network that helps young people build a strong emotional base, like learning coping skills through fun, interactive sessions that prepare them to lead positive lives in their communities.
About the Rafa Nadal Foundation
The Rafa Nadal Foundation operates on the conviction that athletics and learning are key to shaping a superior planet. It aids kids and teens in tough spots on their journey to fulfilling tomorrows. The Foundation runs diverse initiatives in Spain and India that advance four of the 17 key Sustainable Development Goals, forming its core focus areas: physical and psychological health, superior learning opportunities, societal inclusion, and collaborative alliances for goal attainment. And this is the part most people miss: while sports are often seen as just physical, here they're a gateway to emotional healing and social bonds—though some might argue that not every child responds equally to athletic programs, sparking debates on inclusivity.
As these foundations blend their strengths, it's worth pondering: Is play truly the game-changer for global child wellbeing, or could traditional education methods hold more sway? And in an era of billion-dollar philanthropy, does focusing on elite sports like tennis risk overlooking quieter, everyday joys? What are your views—do you side with this sports-centric approach, or do you see potential flaws? Sound off in the comments below; we'd love to hear your take and spark a conversation!
