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Steve Waugh, one of cricket's most legendary and revered players whose association with India dates back more than 22 years, announced the development of Steve Waugh Foundation Global in India on Friday.

"Our inaugural global project will be in India and setting up Steve Waugh Foundation India. It is well known I have been a long time supporter of India. I am passionate about this country, its people, and the causes and projects I support here" said Waugh.

"I now want to take my charity work global in a coordinated approach and innovative way to make a serious difference" Waugh said. "I know I really can make a difference, bring hope, compassion and opportunity where once it wasn't clear or certain."

The Global Fo undation will help manage and coordinate Steve's charity work around the world. The focus of the Foundation's work will be ‘a commitment to a coordinated approach to the service, identification, treatment and cure of rare diseases and illnesses primarily focusing on children.'

Rare disease patients face common problems all around the world, no matter which country you come from. Waugh's vision is to work collaboratively with the best in sport, business and entertainment to achieve unparalleled support to, and results for, children with rare diseases and illnesses, their families and the community locally and around the world.

"I'm inspired by ‘courage' and ‘character', especially in children and youth who are in challenging circumstances. When I see a child showing so much integrity under these conditions, with nowhere to turn, I feel compelled to make a difference" Waugh said. A committed philanthropist Waugh has a genuine desire to use cricket, his influence and networks to build bridges around the world.

The majority of all donated funds raised in any country will be used to fund national and local projects in that country.

Steve Waugh Foundation India has set the following goals for itself:

a. Help change things for kids with rare diseases and illnesses
b. Give hope to children, families & groups that have nowhere else to turn
c. Raise public awareness of the needs of families with rare diseases
d. Improve & share scientific knowledge & research
e. Provide quality information and education to families & public about rare diseases
f. Increase international cooperation in the service, identification, treatment and cure of rare diseases and illnesses in children

The first project of the Indian Foundation will be an extension of Waugh's existing charity work, Udayan, Home for the Rehabilitation for children whose parents suffer from Leprosy or suffer from Leprosy themselves (Kolkata). Working with Revd James Stevens, the Foundation will support the newest intake of seventeen new girls about to enter the Home.

Other projects the Foundation will support in India will be researched over the next twelve months. The Foundation will consult with local groups, individuals, and the community make sure it is addressing the greatest need for rare diseases & illnesses in India, its children, their families and the community.

"In 18 years touring the world as a professional cricketer, I saw many different countries and cultures. It has helped shape me as the person I am today and provided the inspiration for my involvement in charity work," said Waugh

"To make a positive impact you have to give 100 % every day, be it on the cricket field or helping a child. I like a challenge and I like to get stuck in and try and do it the best I can," added Waugh.

Steve Waugh Foundation Global is in its early development phase. It will take another three - six months to formally finalise its shape and form.