Inauguration of the Childhood and Adolescence House : Roger Federer and the Laver Cup support physical activity for young people in Geneva

Roger Federer, on behalf of the Laver Cup organization, took part today in the inauguration of the Maison de l’enfance et de l’adolescence (MEA) of the Geneva University Hospital (HUG). The Laver Cup, a worldwide men’s team tennis competition, created in 2017 - under the impetus of Roger Federer - has financed sports equipment for the multipurpose hall at the MEA with a donation of CHF 100,000.

La Maison de l’enfance et de l’adolescence is a facility that provides medical and psychiatric care for children and young adults aged 0 to 25. It aims to open up psychiatry and have it take its place as part of the city under the innovative concept of “a different hospital”. It is the outcome of an inspiring and generous partnership between the HUG, Hans Wilsdorf Foundation and Children Action Foundation. Other private donors and legatees have also contributed to the realization of this new care structure.

Sport is essential for the mental and physical health of young people

Taking part in regular physical activity has a beneficial impact on the physical and mental health of children and young adults. It improves acceptance of treatments and patient recovery whilst at the same time facilitating the work of medical staff. It also contributes to the success of pediatric and psychiatric care. 

In designing the MEA the HUG wanted to place participation in sport, amongst other aspects, at the heart of patients’ therapeutic care and therefore built a large multipurpose hall for physical activities (gymnastics, football, volleyball, basketball, archery, tchoukball, table tennis, street tennis etc.) 

The Laver Cup was played in Geneva back in 2019 and as part of their legacy programme the organizers have financed the sports equipment of this venue through a donation of CHF 100,000. The donation includes all funds raised by the Laver Cup Open Practice day which was attended by over 6,000 local children and families.

“It’s my pleasure to be here in Geneva today to officially open this fantastic new sports hall and I very much hope the thousands of children and teenagers that visit will enjoy all the benefits that sport has to offer in terms of both physical and mental wellness,” said Roger Federer.

And for Bertrand Levrat, CEO of the HUG, “the financial support of the Laver Cup organization is the perfect illustration of the philosophy of the MEA, a space open onto the city which removes stigma from psychiatry and offers a more welcoming medical care to young people and their parents.”

“The Laver Cup aims to support community initiatives that impact the lives of children in every city that we visit. The MEA is a wonderful initiative for the community and the Laver Cup Organisation is proud to be involved and support this important project for Geneva,” added Laver Cup Chairman and CEO of TEAM8, Tony Godsick.

The Laver Cup

The Laver Cup is an annual men’s team tennis competition that pits six of Europe’s top players against six of their counterparts from the rest of the world. The sixth edition of the three-day event takes place this year at Rogers Arena in Vancouver from September 22-24, 2023.

Note to editors: The inauguration of MEA was announced in a press release and full press pack, released today, Monday 5 June 2023. These are available on the HUG website.