Although Tennis Star, Naomi Osaka may have taken a short break from Table tennis but that does not mean she is slowing down.
The tennis star recently announced she is expanding her tennis academy to Haiti and Los Angeles, California. Although the Play Academy with Nike and Laureus Sport for Good kicked off in Japan last summer; the tennis champion is expanding to other locations close to her heart, according to PEOPLE.
“Growing up, I saw my mother work incredibly hard to support me and my passion for play,” Naomi Osaka says.
The Tennis Play Academy
Naomi Osaka hails from Japan but her father is Haitian. She currently resides and trains in Los Angeles. The Play Academy is a collaboration with Nike and Laureus Sport for Good and the objective of the program is to provide capacity-building training and grants with community organizations in hopes of encouraging girl’s participation in sports.
The Los Angeles Play Academy is seeking community partners to help support Black and female athletes of color. Those interested are encouraged to apply here.
Parnering with GOALS Haiti, The Play Academy aims to reach underrepresented youth. Its mission is to; “hire more female coaches, and provide girls with education to help build up their confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills.”
The young Tennis star wants to give back to those who were not afforded the same opportunities as she was.
