KOLKATA: Injury is one thing that every player dreads. It has seen great sporting careers end prematurely. But ask Liezel Huber about injuries and she will tell you the positive side of it. The South African doubles exponent, who is currently partnering Sania Mirza, discovered the philanthropic side of her personality while recovering from a career-threatening injury in 2005.

A reconstructive surgery on the left foot forced her off the sport for a protracted lay off. But before frustration could goad her into despondence, she found a new perspective in altruism.

"Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans just when I was recovering from a knee reconstructive surgery. I could not see the suffering of the people effected by the devastating storm and decided to do something for them,'' said Huber on Friday.

This urge for charity gave birth to Liezel's Cause, a mission to help the affected families get back to life. Liezel, who has settled down in Huston, Texas, leaving Durban, South Africa, was joined in this venture by her husband Tony.

"I sent e-mails to all my acquaintances and friends in and outside the tennis world to raise funds. We could raise around $40,000 and the contributions came from all across America,'' said Huber.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail