Sharapova Named UN Goodwill Ambassador

Maria Sharapova of Russia has been appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Her work will include promoting international efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals for the world’s poor by 2015.

My first step is to focus on the Chernobyl-affected region, where my family has roots. Today, it is poverty and lack of opportunities that pose the greatest threat for young people in the Chernobyl region.

She announced a $100,000 contribution of the Maria Sharapova Foundation to eight youth-oriented projects in rural communities in Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine that still suffer the after-effects of the Chernobyl disaster of 1986.

The money will fund projects improving computer access, promoting ecological awareness, and restoring sports facilities and hospitals in the three countries most affected by Chernobyl. These projects complement UN work helping Chernobyl-affected communities.

Technorati Tags:
tennis maria sharapova