Naomi Osaka is acting on her aim to keep girls in the game.
The US Open champion has partnered with Laureus Sport for Good, MUFG and Nike creating Play Academy with Naomi Osaka. The program "aspires to level the playing field for girls through the power of sport."
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Investing in fun and positive play experiences through sport, and working with coaches who are trained in gender-inclusivity, Play Academy aims to help girls become positive role models and stay engaged in sport.
"We know that girls who move live healthier, happier and more successful lives," Osaka said. "That's why I've started Play Academy."
Three-time Grand Slam champion Osaka is a massive star in Japan, where keeping girls involved in sport throughout their teenage years has been challenging.
"Tokyo has among the highest global rates of girls dropping out of sport – at more than twice the rate of boys – by the age of 15," Laureus reports. "Girls who are active are not only healthier and do better in school, in their careers and in the community, but they also have an increased sense of self, positive coping skills and increased goal setting."
Osaka is committed to encouraging girls to remain engaged in sport through the initiative.
"I’m so thankful to Laureus and its partner MUFG for supporting Play Academy. Together with Nike, Mastercard and our other partners, we’ll be able to make a positive impact on young women and girls," Osaka said. "Sport today is more important than ever for society, especially for girls growing up in marginalized communities.
"I’m so proud that through Play Academy, we’re going to be working to ensure more girls stay in sport, building confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills, giving them the support they need to succeed in other aspects of life."
Photo credit: Laureus