Switzerland’s Roger Federer continues to ride his legacy of being modern-day tennis great. Along with Rafael Nadal of Spain, he continues to hold the record of having won the most Grand Slam titles (20).
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Meanwhile, recently Federer was in the news for being roped in as the brand ambassador for Swiss Tourism. On April 1, Swiss parliamentarians also announced that the Swiss National Day, which is regularly held on August 1, would be postponed by a week this year to celebrate Roger Federer’s 40th birthday on August 8.
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It also added that the Federer would be honoured by the Swiss government in a prestigious manner, something that any government has never done for its sportsperson. The announcement was widely acclaimed and welcomed worldwide.
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However, some were still apprehensive about it, since the announcement was made on April 1. And, rightfully so, as Swiss Tourism has now cleared the air on the same, stating that it was indeed April Fool’s prank.
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“As part of the hoax, Councillor Nicolo Paganini (Die Mitte, SG), President of the Swiss Tourism Federation along with other members of the Swiss Parliament, announced that they will launch an urgent parliamentary resolution during the extraordinary parliamentary session in May proposing that the Swiss national holiday on 1 August be moved to Federer’s birthday on 8 August as a gesture to thank him for his efforts to promote tourism in Switzerland,” said Swiss Tourism in a statement.
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The prank was also addressed by Federer himself, who said, “I was delighted with the idea, but I am glad that the Swiss national holiday is not being tampered with. I’m just as proud to be a brand ambassador for Switzerland Tourism.”
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Even in India, Switzerland Tourism India Deputy Director and Marketing head directed the prank by pronouncing, “After the official announcement on March 29, the board thought it was a great idea to lighten things up a bit and have some fun on April Fool’s Day. We wanted to spread some cheer about the announcement of Federer’s association with us through this hoax. Everyone had a good laugh and will surely remember this.”
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