Mexican Soccer Star Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez Named UNICEF National Ambassador for Mexico

Hernandez joins prominent celebrities with UNICEF Ambassador roles, including David Beckham, Francesco Totti, Ivan Zamorano, Luis Figo, Lionel Messi

MEXICO CITY, May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released today by Marca Pais – Imagen de Mexico:

Mexican soccer star Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has been named UNICEF National Ambassador for Mexico following a ceremony where he accepted the designation. Hernandez, who plays for British soccer team Manchester United and the Mexican national team, joins a list of world renowned soccer players who also serve on this role, including David Beckham, Francesco Totti, Ivan Zamorano, Luis Figo, and Lionel Messi.

"Mr. Hernandez is a young man who, through his own life, has demonstrated a clear ability to set and achieve his goals," said Susana Sottoli, UNICEF's Representative in Mexico in a press release. "He has been faithful to his principles, and keenly focused on his objectives. I trust that he will be able to pass his approach to the children and adolescents of Mexico. It is therefore a great pleasure for me to name him as our National Ambassador, and welcome him as he joins our efforts for Mexico's children."

In the UNICEF press release, Guadalajara, Mexico-born Hernandez stated, "Being a UNICEF National Ambassador is a significant responsibility. I am now a spokesperson for this great organization, and must call people to action in order to help millions of children and adolescents have access to the same opportunities and to a better life."

According to a FOX News Latino story, Hernandez is the first Mexican athlete to be named to the honorary post of UNICEF ambassador and the third Mexican to receive the honor. Singers Cesar Costa and Julieta Venegas were named UNICEF ambassadors in 2004 and 2009, respectively.

Hernandez is known for his community service efforts, including most recently with teammates from Manchester United at the hospital The Christie in the United Kingdom where patients took pictures with their favorite soccer stars, as reported in a recent MexicoToday article. Also, earlier this year, Hernandez is very committed to his country Mexico as you can watch in this video he taped for MexicoToday.

SOURCE Marca Pais - Imagen de Mexico