artistic prospects’. By 2013, twelve such to other sports. It’s within our power students will have been funded. to convince children that sports are an M s . Shar ap ov a a ls o f u nds a interesting pastime.” hospital and a centre for children’s arts Maria is convincing by example and, in Chechersk, while promoting the of course, paid a visit to Gomel’s tennis ‘Ecology of the Soul’ and ‘It’s Not Terrible courts, where she gave a master class to to Be Ill’ projects. In order to make young players. Their future may not ultiyoung patients feel less afraid of being mately lie in the game but none will ever ill, a room of fairytale-therapy has been forget that they once played with Maria set up, in addition to a mini-garden and Sharapova. She instructed the children a corner with pets. Psychological help saying ‘longer’, ‘you’re great!’ or ‘avoid is always at hand; the Western practice mistakes’. Someone’s mother, in the of a doctor and a psychologist working crowd of fans, couldn’t help but say, “It’s jointly is gaining popularity in Belarus, thanks Being a Goodwill Ambassador, to Maria. Her ‘Ecology Maria Sharapova is financing several of the Soul’ project aims to educate young people programmes for young people. Maria Sharapova foundation funds about ecological matters. Much is being spent on scholarship for gifted students medical and educational projects and Ms. Sharapova likes to see so difficult to avoid mistakes.” А course, how wisely it’s distributed. Her trip aims she was worrying for her child. to assess the results of her investments Maria is currently ranked 17th seed and to decide what further steps are worldwide. At her master class, she played needed. While staying in Gomel, Maria Belarus 13th junior seed (under 16s) Yulia has promised that the next stage of her Shupenya. Six years ago, Yulia managed to programme will be devoted to sports defeat Darya Sharapova, Maria’s cousin. development in Chernobyl-affected “Of course, Maria didn’t play at her full districts. “We wanted to begin with this strength but, still, we all felt that she was a but there are far more important issues strong rival,” stresses Yulia. in life,” she notes. “It’s impossible to No doubt, Ms. Sharapova’s visit to embrace everything at once. Health and Gomel has attracted much attention. wellbeing are most vital but I do wish Gomel residents are still talking about children to live an active life, so we’ll their famous countrywoman — in help them in this field. I hope good gyms trolley buses, in courtyards and on will appear in a year or two. Money will the streets… be allocated not only to tennis but also By Tatiana Morozova
Belta
Charity
It takes much effort. Two days ago, I played my latest match and came here. I’ll probably have a couple of days of rest, chatting to friends, and will then return once more to the court, to train. This is tennis life…
and traditions. I may feel this way because I won it at the age of 17. I’ve not yet won the Rolland Garros — but I’d prefer to win Wimbledon again to be honest.
Wimbledon
My goal was to see everything with my own eyes. I wanted to come to Gomel two years ago but suffered an injury. In fact, I would have seen nothing of our project results if I’d arrived then; I can now see progress. I’ve seen how the money is being spent. In Chechersk, I met children who sang and danced for me and presented me with their drawings. This was wonderful — the major impression of my trip.
This year, the British Queen, for the first time in 33 years, visited the Wimbledon Tournament. I wanted to meet her very much but she only attended the men’s matches — held simultaneously with mine. However, if I had a choice — either to meet the Queen or to win a match I’d lost — I would choose the latter. Wimbledon is my favourite tournament, with wonderful atmosphere
Impressions of her trip
2010 беларусь.belarus
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