Naomi Osaka expanding Tennis Academy to Haiti and Los Angeles

Naomi Osaka is expanding her Tennis Academy to Haiti and Los Angeles because she believes every kid deserves a chance to play.

The first Play Academy with Nike and Laureus Sport for Good launched in Japan last year and it will expand to two new locations: Los Angeles and Haiti. Play Academy provides grants and capacity-building training for community organizations in order to boost girls' access to and participation in sport.

Commenting on the decision to PEOPLE, Osaka said:

"We believe that all kids — especially girls — deserve a chance to play, no matter where they come from or what they look like."

Osaka further added:

"The more we provide girls with opportunities to get active, the more opportunities we are giving them to become leaders in their communities."

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The Academy will partner with GOALS Haiti to reach underrepresented youth. Osaka said they're hoping to "hire more female coaches, and provide girls with education to help build up their confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills."  

Play Academy is still seeking community partners in Los Angeles, and aiming to focus on girl athletes from Black, Asian and Latino communities.

Osaka's own tennis journey is, of course, part of the inspiration for Play Academy. "Growing up I dreamed about winning Grand Slams and becoming number one in the world," she recounts. "While it was not easy, my family was dedicated to helping me get the access I needed to reach my goals. But unfortunately, not all girls have the same opportunities that I did."