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.
Antonio Brown says he won't play in the NFL any more and also took a shot at New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft in a series of tweets sent Sunday morning.
Sources: Jags not interested in trading Ramsey
Despite Jalen Ramsey's request for a trade, the Jaguars are not interested in trading the Pro Bowl cornerback, or he would have been sent away by now, league sources told ESPN.
UCLA, down 32 in 3rd, rallies to stun No. 19 WSU
Dorian Thompson-Robinson threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Demetric Felton with 1:07 left as winless UCLA overcame a 32-point second-half deficit and a record nine TD passes by Washington State's Anthony Gordon to claim a wild 67-63 victory on Saturday.
Sources: Bridgewater gets starting nod for Saints
Teddy Bridgewater will be the New Orleans Saints' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, sources told ESPN's Dianna Russini.
Agent: Teams interested in AB, want legal info
Antonio Brown's agents said he has had communication with interested teams, but people around the league believe that until the NFL's investigation into Brown is resolved, a deal is not likely to happen, a source told ESPN.
Eye poke ends UFC bout seconds in; fans erupt
Saturday's UFC main event between Yair Rodriguez and Jeremy Stephens lasted only 15 seconds and was ruled a no contest when Stephens could not continue due to an accidental eye poke.
Ole Miss questions Pac-12 refs after bizarre finish
Ole Miss interim AD Keith Carter said he was "extremely disappointed" after a Pac-12 officiating crew chose not to review a play on which the Rebels appeared to score in the waning moments of their 28-20 home loss to California.
Fantasy football Week 3 rankings
Fantasy football rankings from Matthew Berry, Field Yates, Mike Clay, Eric Karabell, Stephania Bell and Tristan H. Cockcroft for Week 3.
Inactives watch: Who's in and who's out?
AJ Mass provides updated inactives and analysis based on the latest reports and official announcements leading up to kickoff.
Panic in Ann Arbor, party in Athens and an epic UCLA rally top a wild Week 4
Michigan fans might want to burn their khakis, the top of the SEC continues to roll and the 'Pitt Special' is introduced.
College Football Playoff takeaways: Irish in trouble, SEC rolling and more
With Georgia's win over Notre Dame -- and Alabama, Auburn and LSU all cruising -- the SEC is in position to have another two teams in the College Football Playoff.
Why Antonio Brown was released and what happens next
Brown is under NFL investigation and without a job. Could another team sign him soon? Here's what you need to know.
Score picks, bold predictions and fantasy tips for every Week 3 NFL game
What to watch for in every game. Bold predictions. Fantasy advice. Key stats to know. And, of course, score predictions. It's all here for Week 3.
Five Rounds: Rodriguez-Stephens ruled a no contest. Why?
The UFC Mexico City main event finish between Yair Rodriguez and Jeremy Stephens turned an entertaining evening into a tumultuous one. What happened?
Graziano: How NFL players are taking control, and what the league could do next
There's a growing trend of NFL player empowerment. And if you think the league isn't alarmed about it, you're wrong.
Man City's 8-0 win over Watford proves the exceptional is becoming the norm at the Etihad
Perhaps Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores put it best after his side fell to an 8-0 defeat: "It is impossible to play against Manchester City."
Transfer Talk: United ready for winter Pogba raid from Madrid
Man United are preparing for contract talks with Paul Pogba as they simultaneously ward off January pursuit from Real. Transfer Talk has the latest.
Is Emma Meesseman the missing piece to Mystics' first WNBA title?
After getting swept in last year's WNBA Finals, the Mystics knew: Wait until Emma Meesseman gets back. So far in this year's semis, she has been the difference.
Diaz-Masvidal won't be sold with trash talk
The UFC 244 news conference didn't last very long, but there was plenty to glean from the interactions on stage in New York City.
Super middleweight champs scout each other
Four major organizations, four super middleweight champions. But who's the best at 168? We went directly to the source and asked them.
Ireland display credentials to tackle Rugby World Cup heavyweights
Less than 24 hours after the All Blacks had taken care of Springboks, the Irish provided a Rugby World Cup message of their own that will have anyone doubting their claims as potential tournament winners re-evaluating their assessment.
