Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams and Australian soccer sensation Mary Fowler are among the many 9 athletes being celebrated with Barbie dolls modeled after them.
Mattel’s initiative goals to focus on feminine sports activities function fashions forward of the Paris Olympics.
Unveiled on Wednesday, every doll comes with personalised equipment: Fowler’s doll options gloves and a soccer, whereas Williams’ doll, wearing a basic white tennis outfit with a visor and earrings, features a miniature racket.
The former world No. 1 expressed her hope that the doll would encourage younger ladies to pursue sports activities.
“I literally can’t imagine my life without sports and without the game,” Williams stated in a video, during which she held the doll.
“I want other young girls to have that invaluable experience of playing a sport and what it teaches you and what you learn and what you take from it, not just that moment (but) for the rest of your life … I think it’s so important for girls to be in sports.”
Other sports activities figures to have a doll of their likeness embody French boxer Estelle Mossely, Polish sprinter Ewa Swoboda, Spanish physician and paratriathlon athlete Susana Rodriguez, Italian former swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Canadian soccer participant Christine Sinclair, in addition to Mexican and Brazilian gymnasts Alexa Moreno and Rebeca Andrade.
The dolls, unveiled as Barbie turns 65 this yr, “(recognize) the impact of sport in fostering self-confidence and ambition among the next generation,” Krista Berger, senior vice chairman of Barbie and Mattel’s Global Head of Dolls, stated.
“By shining a light on these inspirational athletes and their stories, we hope to champion the belief that every young girl deserves the opportunity to pursue her passions and turn her dreams into reality,” she stated in an announcement.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
