Chris Paul Grants a Wish

Last week, New Orleans Hornet, Chris Paul held his annual charity event, the Chris Paul Winston-Salem Weekend to raise funds for the CP3 Foundation and to give back to the community he came from…the Winston-Salem Weekend activities included a ‘Day of Service’ on Friday where CP stuffed care packages for American troops overseas and distributed food to needy families…he also hosted a free youth basketball clinic, worked with Special Olympic athletes and held a gala honoring the late Wake Forest Coach Skip Prosser…the first three years of the event have raised over $325,000 for a variety of programs and charities in the Winston-Salem area.

And it’s not just about community, giving back and raising money- it’s about raising spirits: “Today is always a special day,” Paul told the kids. “It’s an opportunity to give back to the community, to you kids and to all the different families who need it.” One such way he gave back to the kids came when he read his new book, Long Shot: Never Too Small to Dream Big to local school children…simply priceless.

But those who know CP, know he’s not gonna stop at reading, donating, or rebuilding when he can do more-when he wants to do more…

Jarrell Marshall’s day went from special to unforgettable at the Carlson Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club. It was already shaping up to be a red-letter day when Marshall got to meet Chris Paul, his favorite NBA player. Marshall, who has Hodgkin’s lymphoma, was representing the regional office of the Make-A-Wish Foundation at a check-presentation ceremony at Paul’s annual Winston-Salem Weekend yesterday. Shortly after shaking Marshall’s hand, Paul told him not to go anywhere. “What’s your wish?” Paul asked. “To meet Chris Paul,” Marshall quietly answered. “That and what else?” Paul asked. “To take my family to Jamaica on a cruise.” “I’m here to tell you,” Paul said, “that your wish has been granted.” (Full story can be read HERE)

I try my best to keep up with athletes and their philanthropy. I can count on one hand the number of players who go out and spread love without asking for a pat on the back…players that are so active and sincere about their off-field giving that it’s difficult to keep up with them…Chris Paul is one of those athletes. He’s an exceptional human being who hasn’t been tainted by celebrity and we could certainly use more mighty-mighty-fine CP’s in this world…for more about hot-stuff and his foundation, please visit his website CHRISPAUL3.COM. On behalf of humanity, thank you Chris Paul. (All images courtesy of the CP3 Foundation)

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

Rafael Nadal Heats Up Vogue Magazine

“I’m not very brave about anything in life. In tennis, yes. In everything else, not very.” Rafael Nadal, Vogue magazine, June 2009

It was less than a month ago that our Spanish delicacy, Rafael Nadal, landed in Time magazine as one of their most ‘influential’ Heroes & Icons…now, Rafa has made his way into the June issue of Vogue magazine, where journalist Gaby Wood penned a great interview and famed photographer Bruce Webber snapped some mouthwatering images of our beast during the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.

Gaby’s article is fantastic, perhaps one of the best I’ve read in relation to Rafa. She captures his essence and persona perfectly while giving us a glance of Rafa’s closely guarded inner circle…and she definitely knows how to capture the reader’s attention and libido: “…I make my way over to the practice court,” she writes, “Rafa is shirtless, sweat streaming down his front, the deep thwacking sound of his inhuman forehand filling everyone’s ears…”

We learn that our Tapa enjoys fishing, golfing, going to the movies, and spending time with his girlfriend. We learn that the humble words he speaks transcend the court- opting to fly commercial instead of using private jets…and he speaks highly of nemesis Roger Federer, “He’s one of the greatest tennis players in history, if not the greatest. But the thing that makes you improve isn’t any individual—it’s the demands of the sport itself.”

Gaby also asked Rafael how he felt when he saw Federer crying in Australia. “Well, a bit odd, no? I didn’t really know what to do. I felt sad for him. Those are difficult moments when you’re living through them, but over the years they become moments that both he and I will be able to look back on fondly—they’re emotional moments.”

I had my own emotional moment as I read about his pre-match rituals: “He’ll sleep between seven and nine hours, then have a plate of pasta for breakfast…just beforehand, he always has a (gulp) cold shower; then his physio, Rafael Maymo, helps him put on all his tape…”

But perhaps the most enlightening thing we learn about Rafa is that he’s in dire need of a visit from Delinda: “Being home alone at night makes me a bit nervous. If I’m at home alone I have to sleep on the sofa—I can’t face going to bed. I’m there with the TV on and all the lights on…”

Rafa also speaks of his new foundation, which aims to educate underprivileged children all over the world. “I’d like to help people who don’t have enough to live on,” he says, “I’d like to help everyone I can.”

I don’t know about the rest of ya, but Rafa has certainly helped me decide where I’m spending my summer vacation. Vamos our little ‘Rafalet’, va-mos.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

Rafael Nadal One of the Worlds Most Influential People

Time Magazine has released their list of the World’s Most Influential People, and its gives me great pleasure to announce our tapa, Rafael Nadal has made the list. Rafa is sitting comfortably at #71 under the ‘Heroes & Icons’ section…joined only by two other athletes: Tiger Woods and Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao.

The explanation as to how Rafa cracked Time Mag’s 100, was beautifully written by someone who should also be on the list, Serena Williams.

‘I have never seen such tenacity, such ambition, such fight and such honor go into every shot as when I watch Rafael Nadal. I want to be like him. The attitude he exudes the moment he walks out on the court is the attitude of a true champion. A champion whose desire to win is the same as the desire of a lion to eat. Stalking his prey with force and speed, Nadal, 22, has already become one of the game’s all-time best…What is so unusual about Rafa (which is what he likes to be called) is that unlike many of his fellow Spaniards, he can dominate on all surfaces. He has never lost a match on the French Open’s clay, but he also has a Wimbledon title to his name, as well as one from the Australian Open. This year he’s the only man able to go for a true Grand Slam. What makes him so good? I think it’s that he’s the hardest worker. The last one to leave the court, the first to arrive. The one who falls asleep studying, the first to rise. It’s not easy being a champion; you don’t just wake up and — bam! — you’re No. 1. It takes work, effort, desire, dedication — all qualities that Rafa has. I could be wrong, but I don’t think I am far off.’

Oh Serena, you hit the nail on the head and I am especially grateful for the ‘lion stalking its prey’ visual…next match, I plan on using body paints to transform myself into ‘prey’ before prancing across the court. Serena also points out something I’ve been saying for years- Rafa is the hardest working babe in tennis. He doesn’t just wake up and expect to remain at number one without putting every once of his effort into it…

Rafa is in good company in the top 100 (which includes Obama, Oprah, and Clooney…) Obviously, Tiger Woods is a staple on just about every list around, but not many people know of Manny Pacquiao. The beast is currently rated by the Ring Magazine as the #1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world, is actively involved in politics, is rumored to be the subject of Sylvester Stallone’s latest film venture and is set to take on British boxer Ricky Hatton this weekend. Pacquiao’s profile in Time was written by Lennox Lewis and can be read here.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

Rafael Nadal, Sweaty Towels and His Foundation

Fantasy Friday is in full swing…and today’s tasty treat hails from Mallorca, tastes better than any tapa I’ve had, and has been busy making history while promoting his Foundation. No doubt my Rafa readers are well aware that our Spanish beast is vying to follow up his fifth straight Monte Carlo Masters trophy with a fifth straight title at Barcelona. I can almost hear a collective ‘Vamos’ coming from the crowd…

Nadal and Spanish former tennis player Manolo Santana exchanged rackets at the Barcelona Open a few days ago…Santana gave Nadal the ‘historic’ racket he used during the Wimbledon tournament in 1966, and Nadal gave Santana the racket he used during the Monte Carlo tennis open last weekend. But the event wasn’t just about exchanging rackets, it was a promotional event for Rafael Nadal’s Foundation: Fundacion Rafa Nadal. Word is that Santana’s racket will be auctioned off at Rafa’s next charity auction.

Keeping true to his humble self-Nadal apologized to Santana when he gave him his racket, “This is not so much history.” Not so much history? Can you be any cuter Rafa? Seriously. You’ve dethroned the world’s most arrogant number one, won five-straight at Monte Carlo, are about to do it again in Barcelona and have caused an absolute panic just for wearing sleeves!

Yes, Rafa has recently changed his wardrobe and it seems to be creating a panic among the Nadal Estrogen Brigade. Understandably so. And while I don’t really ‘cruise’ Youtube as much as I probably should, I’ve got some great readers to rely on for sporn-tastic video discoveries. Thanks to Ankita for sharing this video of Rafael Nadal with me…between the towels he brings home for his friends, his sweaty hair sticking to his face, his rolling up of the sleeve to show us his muscle, and his adorable way of thanking the crowd: “Thank you very much the crowd, I repeat everyday, but was always very nice with me” I’d say Rafa grossly underestimates his place in history.

But this is supposed to be a post about Rafa’s Foundation…which I’ve got to admit, is a bit of a challenge because he’s so damn cute I get sidetracked…focus…foundation…Nadal’s Foundation focuses on “promoting the sport as an integration tool for those who need it the most, such as handicapped, immigrant and socially excluded people.” (Sounds like an ideal place for R-Fed to get some help?) Please visit Rafa’s site for more info on his Foundation.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

Rafael Nadal French Kisses Trophy After BNP Paribas Win

How many nibbles does it take to get to Worlds Number One…We’ve witnessed trophy after trophy earn that precious nibble Rafael Nadal has perfected. And just when I thought it couldn’t get better, our Tapa won the BNP Paribas Open and, correct me if I’m wrong, (gulp) French kissed the trophy. There is a whole lotta ‘oh no she didn’t’ that I could say about this, but I best move on before I earn an X rating…after all, this is supposed to be all about charity right? And as such, the only donation given by Rafa went straight to my estrogen bank, so it fits the bill.

Nadal had no trouble winning his second title in three years at Indian Wells. After defeating Andy Murray 6-1, 6-2, our tapa spoke…anticipating an accent as delicious as his forehand, it pained me a bit to think he’s either brushing up on his English, or this was translated…

“The conditions today were really difficult. But I think I had a good strategy and played a really good match under the conditions,” Nadal cooed. “Probably Andy didn’t play his best because of the conditions, but I think I played a really complete match, moving very well…I never stopped the legs during the match and I think that was the key. Maybe I accepted the conditions a little bit better than him. Maybe I had a little bit more positive attitude than him.”  Gone are the ‘no’s’?  To think we lost them is bad, no? And is also make me happy Rafa make no more capri’s too, no?

Maybe it was your leg speed Rafa, but I think maybe, just maybe, you are simply maturing into one hell of a eloquent, fine, sexy, Spanish tennis monster with incredibly hot wispy hair and a much needed hint of facial hair to accentuate that ice-melting smile…

Vamos Rafael Nadal, Va-mos.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

NADAL BRINGS FEDERER TO TEARS

This is the first thing I read this morning on Yahoo:
Rafael Nadal held off Roger Federer in another momentum-swinging, five-set final to win the Australian Open on Sunday, keeping the Grand Slam singles record safe for now. After coming through the longest match in the tournament’s history to reach the championship match, Nadal needed 4 hours, 23 minutes Sunday to win 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2. Federer, who was trying to equal Pete Sampras’ 14 major titles, has lost to Nadal the last three times they’ve met in Grand Slam finals. The 27-year-old Swiss star couldn’t hold back tears at the presentation.

“Maybe I’ll try later. God, it’s killing me,” Federer said, sobbing. He returned to congratulate Nadal within minutes, saying: “You deserved it. You played a fantastic final.” Nadal collected the trophy and put his arm around Federer. “Roger, sorry for today. I really know how you feel right now,” Nadal said. “Remember, you’re a great champion, you’re one of the best in history.” He accepted the cup from Rod Laver, who was in Australia to mark the start of the 40th anniversary of the last Grand Slam season. “To receive this trophy from Rod Laver is a dream for me,” Nadal said. Federer, so dominant when he won three of the four majors in 2006 and 2007, has now lost finals on three different surfaces to Nadal. (Yahoo Sports)

First of all, I am going to relish this moment and say I told ya so. Federer- you can NOT beat Rafa if you don’t practice. Federer- you can NOT be one of the greatest if you don’t practice. Federer- you can NOT claim a title if you don’t practice. It’s really as simple as that. How many times have I ripped the Swiss Mister a new one because he’s out frolicking ala Hollywood-style cruising along on his fame while his Girlfriend manages his career? Historically, it’s a recipe for disaster. “Maybe I’ll try later. God, it’s killing me,” Federer said, sobbing. Maybe you’ll try later? Try what? To practice? Did you really think Rod Laver was gonna hand you the Sampras equalizing trophy just because you showed up? You gotta win first! Props to you though for recognizing that Rafael ‘deserved it’ and ‘played a fantastic final’. Hard to believe a compliment slipped passed those lips. Perhaps when we are at our lowest it’s easier to recognize the greatness in others?

The greatness that is Rafael Nadal never ceases to amaze me. From his grunts to his capri’s, the kid is a tennis machine. We are witnessing one of the most remarkable tennis careers to hit the courts, while at the same time witnessing the downfall of another. Sure, R-Fed could theoretically pull himself up by the boot-strings, hire a great agent and trainer, leave Mirka at home and focus on winning instead of jetting off to chill with other Gillette men who have also mysteriously lost career-traction…but would that even be enough? Doubt it. Nadal has remained focused…unshakable…determined…humble…and hot. He basically picks up where Federer leaves off.

And before I forget…Congratulations my precious Tapa! You want make me to be happy, no? Thank you Rafa for making this day about something more than the SuperBowl. Vamos for life you sexy little beast, Va-mos.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

Double De-Licious on a Dhow in Dubai

When the boys visit Dubai, they do it right. We’ve seen just about all the worlds’ best doing their thing atop the Burj Al Arab, so it’s no surprise that our Spanish treat Rafael Nadal and the used-to-be-worlds-number-one Roger Federer celebrated the 2009 ATP World Tour by playing a match atop a ‘dhow’ in Doha Bay…

Granted, Andy Murray is on-fire right now. The Scottish beast spanked our top-ranked Nadal 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 Saturday to capture the Capitala World Tennis Championship exhibition and $250,000 winner-take-all prize. A day earlier in the semifinals, he showed Federer who’s boss with a 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (6) victory. I’m actually cool with Murray as long as he wasn’t the one who used the beautiful face of Marat Safin as a punching bag. Safin arrived for his match against Italy’s Simone Bolelli in Perth sporting facial bruising he said he suffered in Moscow.

Props to Columbian singer Shakira who has taken an interest in our tapa…too bad she isnt beautiful…Maria-I’d be worried gurl.

And its not just our tennis-babies who are frolicking in Dubai…dear god, AC Milan arrived at Al-Nasr’s club ground in Dubai on Friday to start their winter training camp in the Gulf emirate that will culminate in the Dubai Football Challenge on January 6 (AC Milan versus Hamburg SV Germany) …is it hot in here or is it just me?

New rule: weekends are for objectifying…weekdays are for charity. And I will pay more attention to Don Cheadle.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

DYNAMIC DUO’S

Hope everyone was safe, happy and loved this holiday…Events have been added to the Celebrity Athlete Charity Events Calendar, with plenty more to come. Next week, I’m gonna break down some of the events for you and highlight the one which I recommend…if you know of an event you’d like listed, please email me, an if you are a PR firm or Athlete rep, please contact me to be included on the calendar…but in the meantime, I’ve got plenty of pent-up ‘are-you-kidding-me’s’ that need to come out….

The battle between my heart and my libido rages on- spurred by David Beckham “on loan” to AC Milan alongside Paolo Maldini-I must bow to the babes and give proper recognition to some of the men who’ve paired up in the past to make me question my sanity…Beckham is a no-brainer, but when paired with Maldini? Are you kidding me? Geez-Us. Both are exceptional ‘givers’ in the charity world but right now I am so blinded by ‘fineness’ that I can’t even spell humanitarian…and for the record, Beckham’s sex-appeal is no match for the Italian beast who’s dark hair, piercing eyes and delicious accent make Beck’s look a bit…ah…mousy?

As I refresh my desktop screen saver, I still cannot bring myself to delete this photo from 2007 when we enjoyed a soul shattering moment of ‘hello-ness’ as Camilo Villegas stood alongside Aaron Baddeley…not much else to say except here’s to a few more crawls, and victories, from Villegas this year.

Another one of my favorite: Chad Pennington, then still with the Jets, and the ‘are you kidding me’ look on his face as Tom Brady whispers sweet nothings in his ear…I’ve always had a secret thing for Chad-and I dare say you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who’s got a bad thing to say about him-as a person, as a player I’m sure there’s haters but who cares as Chad and his new team (Miami) watch Favre and the Jets say buh-bye to the Bowl.

One duo that always makes me lose my voice is Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. This photo from 2006 is timeless to me. The Swiss-Mister-in my opinion- seems to always rely on his reputation to pave the way to victory, whereas our Tapa is always busy training. The manner in which Rafa is holding his victory screams ‘oh my god I really did it’ while the Swiss-ter wears a look which says “yeah-enjoy-it- while-you-can”…last laugh on R-Fed as our baybee sits pretty at number one. Both are in Abu Dhabi for the start of the Capitala World Tennis Championships. Vamos you sweet thing, Va-mos.

Pavel Nedved and Allesandro Del Piero. April 2007. I don’t know if Del Piero slapped Nedved in the face or kissed him afterwards, but the photo qualifies-in my book- as a classic.

Here’s to an awesome 2009!
As always, thanks for reading.

delinda@athlebrities.com

Celebrity Athletes in 2008
2008 has been a great year for some of our favorites. Yes, I made a vow to take the month off but unfortunate I can’t stay away…too many of our guys are out there playing Santa, making cookies with kids and spreading the holiday cheer…I couldn’t possibly cover all the action, just a few memorable moments that made my estrogen spike and my man question my sanity…

Rafa is sitting tight at number one after sending the Swiss Mister down the rankings ladder and finally clinching his spot atop the world rankings…Our kitten Camilo Villegas grabbed a few headlines, several trophies and a shit load of estrogen en route to 2009…Lewis Hamilton became the youngest champion in Formula One history and owned the word “class” while kicking ass in the face of racism…we fell in love with Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt while raising awareness for genocide…Men’s USA Basketball did us proud and brought home the gold…and we, the people, elected one of the hottest ballers alive to be Our President. All in all, I would say a mighty good year.

Ideally, I would elaborate on Carmelo Anthony’s ‘Very Melo Holiday Event’ which was held in Denver…however, I am at a loss for words. Only one comes to mind…Geez-Us. Carmelo Cares people and don’t ever doubt it. “It’s important to me to make a significant impact on the communities that have positively affected me. My family and I are committed to growing my Foundation so that we can continue to help families in need.”

Another Nugget up to do-gooding…Chauncey Billups, along with Ray and Rodney Billups-spread some holiday cheer during a holiday event for families at the Hiawatha Davis Rec Center in Denver.

Shane Battier gets mad props for helping this little kid from Casa De Esperanza pick out some toys during the Houston Rockets Season of Giving in Houston…and gotta give a massive hug to the most underrated ‘giver’ in the League-Ron Artest…Ron-Ron made cookies during the Rockets event and passed out gifts along with Luther Head, Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey…

And this is the fifth year in a row that the NBA has teamed up with ‘Feed the Children’… This years event in Detroit saw five Pistons -Kwame Brown, Allen Iverson, Jason Maxiell, Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace- stepping in as the Fab-Five for this years ‘Miracle in Motown’ where they fed five thousand families…For me, the Pistons embody something that transcends basketball. Off the top of my head I can’t think of any controversy, jail time or scandal involving the Motown boys that would deem them unworthy of praise, so correct me if I’m wrong-until then, they get my vote for sincerity, good will and never saying no when asked to help others.

Have a safe and happy holiday season…remember to check out all the celebrity philanthropy we’re covering at Look to the Stars…have a rocking new year, hug a child and I’ll see ya in (yikes) ’09.

As always, thanks for reading.
Delinda Lombardo

Tattoos, Obama, Land Mines, Dry Ice, A Very Sad Swiss Mister and a Naked Tapa?

My libido is clashing with my goal to write about charity stuff…so I defer to my hormones…yes, I am still crushing hard on Obama…and I’m loving the support our sexy new Prez is getting from some of our balling babes…Wizards beast Gilbert Arenas got some cool ink on his digits…talk about creating a ‘let-your-fingers-do-the-walking’ fantasy (post-manicure pa-leeze!)…but perhaps my favorite tribute (to date) comes from Sweet Melon who’s got my marshMelo’s standing at full attention. Not sure what he said because he keeps licking his lips and distracting me…

Poor Roger Federer

Despite the dry ice and on court massage, Roger Federer could not get by Andy Murray. Day six of the ATP Masters Cup in Shanghai…Murray won the match 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 to eliminate Federer from the tournament…seriously; I am starting to feel kinda bad for the Swiss Mister…

Baltic Soccer Stadium

I, for one, would think twice about attending the Baltic Arena soccer stadium in Poland…the stadium is being built for the Euro 2012 Cup but prior to any building being done, they sent out a gaggle of “sappers’ from an explosives company to test the ground for any remaining World War II explosives…And to everyone in Poland who didn’t think this was funny, I meant no disrespect.  Trust me, even if they did NOT send in the “sappers” I would still attend a Euro Cup match in the stadium!

Enjoy the weekend…maybe go for a sail? While I’m not one to run photos of our hotties naked, I cant help but post this one of Rafael Nadal ala natural…vamos indeed.

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As always, thanks for reading.
Delinda Lombardo