Editorial: Think about Agassi in terms of youth

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003 | 10:34 a.m.

Over the weekend Las Vegan Andre Agassi became the oldest player in 30 years to win a Grand Slam singles title. His championship at the Australian Open tennis tournament is being hailed by the world's press as yet another pinnacle moment in his storied career. He will be 33 at the next Grand Slam event, the French Open, and yet will likely be among the top seeds -- if not the top seed. But it's youth, not Agassi's advanced age (for tennis), that catches our imagination.

Thousands of at-risk children in Las Vegas public schools and at the Agassi Prep charter school have brighter hopes for the future because of Andre Agassi. Child Haven, the county's home for displaced children, is able to offer better accommodations because of Agassi. Thousands more at-risk children have a chance for better health and richer lives because of Agassi's support for the Inner City Games and the Andre Agassi Boys and Girls Club. In making a commitment to the at-risk children of Las Vegas through his Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, Agassi has also earned distinction as a champion off the court.