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.
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