In 2007, Maria became a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) and donated $100,000 to Chernobyl-related projects.
Recently, in partnership with the UNDP, Maria launched a $210,000 scholarship program
for students from Chernobyl-affected areas of Belarus. The Maria Sharapova Foundation
Scholarship for Youth from the Chernobyl-Affected Areas of Belarus will award five-year
scholarships to 12 students at the Belarusian State Academy of Arts and the Belarusian
State University. "It has always been my dream to contribute to the recovery of a region
where I have a personal connection," said Maria, who has family roots in Gomel, Belarus.
"Enabling talented young people to pursue higher education is part of a broader effort to
build a brighter future for the region". Please join Maria in her cause by donating to the
Maria Sharapova Foundation today.
Biography
Maria Sharapova born April 19, 1987) is a Russian professional tennis player. As of February 25, 2013 she is ranked world no. 3.
As part of an emotional pregame show on TNT, Shaquille O'Neal called the death of Kobe Bryant something he "never could have imagined," and Jerry West called it the "saddest day of my life."
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The Lakers gathered Tuesday for the first time since Sunday's helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant.
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Before Tuesday's home game, the 76ers honored the memory of Kobe Bryant, who went to nearby Lower Merion High School, with a video tribute and a moment of silence. Worldwide, fans continued to honor the former NBA great.
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More than 2,000 people were on hand Tuesday for Orange Coast College's season opener against Southwestern College.
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Coach K scolds Crazies following Capel chant
Duke's Mike Krzyzewski yelled at Blue Devils fans to "Shut up!'' and went across the court to scold them at the end of the first half for their "Jeff Capel, sit with us" chant.
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