NEW YORK and the World Wide Web, August 23, 2006 – MARIASHARAPOVA.COM, a state-of-the art interactive web site designed to be “the center of all things Maria” will debut today. The comprehensive site features everything from Sharapova’s charitable foundation, to an online store, video and behind-the-scenes footage, Maria’s “weekly doodles,” online auction, Maria blogs, her “top ten” lists and, of course, lots of tennis.
“It’s exciting to have a place where I can maintain an ongoing dialog with my fans and friends around the world,” said Sharapova, who was in New York in advance of the U.S. Open, which begins August 28. “In addition to sharing real-time news about the upcoming U.S. Open and other tennis events, the site will serve as the official source of information on my new foundation to raise money for at-risk children and charities.”
“I am one of the luckiest people in the world, having my dreams come true, and now I’m so happy I am in a position where I can help others reach their dreams,” Sharapova continued. “This web site will be the place where I can communicate with those who need help, those who want to help, and generous people such as my sponsors and others who aid the Foundation.”
The Maria Sharapova Foundation is committed to helping at-risk children of all ages by supporting programs and developing partnerships that motivate at-risk children worldwide to address their individual strengths and weaknesses, realize their potential, initiate change, and achieve their dreams. Information is available at http://www.mariasharapova.com/.
“Maria is tuned into the digital age and knows the importance of ongoing accessibility and communications. She has been personally involved in every step of the development of her web site so it truly reflects her multi-faceted interests and unique personality,” said Max Eisenbud, Vice President, IMG Tennis, who manages Maria’s career. “The web site will be her face to the public 24/7, even when she’s not on the tennis court or making personal appearances.”
Sharapova’s sponsors, advertisers, corporate partners and others will also be part of the web site. Canon, for example, is working with Maria on her first “photo blog.”
“Maria’s site was a challenge,” said Bill Squadron, IMG Media Senior Vice President, who runs IMG’s interactive media business in North America. “She is one of only a handful of international celebrities with the depth of sports, celebrity, advertising, charity, fashion and other interests and activities. We needed a site that could be ‘all things Maria’ to her fans and a business communications center for everyone else. Maria’s interest in interactive technology and her plan to be deeply involved in the site helped tremendously.
“It was also important to Maria that people interested in her fashion, tennis, fragrance, travel schedule and other aspects of her life would learn about the Maria Sharapova Foundation,” Squadron added. “We know her charitable foundation will benefit from the exposure.”
Sharapova is regularly one of the most-searched personalities on the Internet, and the interest is always highest when she plays. “The U.S. Open is a great tournament with wide exposure,” added Eisenbud. “We know there will be so many questions and queries about Maria during the next two weeks, and now people will have a central location to contact Maria.”
Maria Sharapova, at 19, the #4-ranked woman tennis player in the world, won her first Grand Slam tournament at the age of 17 when she triumphed during an exciting final at the 2004 Wimbledon Championships. Soon after Wimbledon, she became the first Russian woman to be ranked #1 in the world. Sharapova’s accomplishments as a tennis player are hard earned. At the age of seven, she and her father emigrated from Russia to Florida so she could focus on her tennis. Maria was separated from her mother for the first two years, but the sacrifice paid off and by the age 14, in 2001, Sharapova turned pro. Her 12 career titles include the year-end WTA Championships and the recent Acura Tennis Classic in Los Angeles.
Contact: Linda Dozoretz/Tina Brausam
For IMG
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