Laureus Announces Further Support For Play Academy With Naomi Osaka
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. 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.
Edwin Moses, Chairman of Laureus Sport for Good, said: “Naomi’s creation of Play Academy shows how athletes at the top of their game can make a difference to young lives – not just by being role models, but by using their influence to focus on important issues and causes. MUFG joining Play Academy, alongside Nike and the other partners helping to drive it, is a great example of teamwork that will benefit so many young people. I congratulate and thank Naomi for the inspirational work she’s doing off the court as well as on it.”
MUFG Managing Director of Corporate Planning Division Akira Watanabe, said: “We are very pleased to announce that through our sponsorship of Laureus, an organization we have been working together with since 2018, MUFG will be supporting Play Academy with Naomi Osaka to empower young girls through the power of sport. The goals to which Play Academy aspires, “to change girls’ lives through play and sport” resonates deeply with the goals MUFG and Laureus strive for “to create a better world through the power of sport. As an athlete and a leader, Naomi Osaka has become a leading figure on the global stage, representing the world and not just Japan. As a financial company originating in Japan, MUFG also endeavours to become the worlds most trusted financial group, and we are committed to supporting efforts to nurture individuals who are able to fulfil their dreams and succeed regardless of their gender.”