Post by Admin on May 4, 2020 21:07:43 GMT
Naomi Osaka is getting back on the tennis court today — sort of.
The tennis champion is one of many stars participating in Sunday's Stay at Home Slam, a virtual tennis tournament during which they'll play the Mario Tennis Aces game for Nintendo Switch to raise money for COVID-19 relief.
Competitors will play the video game from their homes, and each will receive $25,000 donated to the charity of their choice, with the winner of the tournament receiving an additional $1 million donation.
Osaka joins other superstar tennis champions, including Serena and Venus Williams, as well as Maria Sharapova.
"I mean what’s not to like?" Osaka tells PEOPLE of deciding to sign on. "First and foremost: we are giving well over $1 million to COVID-19 related charities, the real reason we all signed on. It’s really amazing for us all to be able to come together in such a short time frame to help."
Osaka is personally playing for Hope for Haiti, a non-profit organization focused on helping the Haitian people in a variety of areas. Donating to the organization "means a lot," she says.
"I’m also a big gamer, so this is right in my wheelhouse," she admits, "even if Mario Aces is a bit more about luck than a traditional game I am still keeping my competitive spirit."
Osaka is paired with Hailey Bieber for t]he fun competition, which she says she's "so excited" about.
"I heard she has been practicing with Justin, so I’m hoping we do well," notes Osaka of her fellow bareMinerals ambassador.
The 22-year-old is grateful to be in a position where she's able to do something charitable during these uncertain times of pandemic.
"It’s always important to give back, one of the best parts about being in the spotlight is your ability to reach people around the world and inspire or help in some way," she says. "Playing for Hope for Haiti and knowing that I am helping provide people and kids with lasting impact as it pertains to health, the economy and general wellbeing of those affected by COVID-19 — that is really special and personal to me."
The tennis champion is one of many stars participating in Sunday's Stay at Home Slam, a virtual tennis tournament during which they'll play the Mario Tennis Aces game for Nintendo Switch to raise money for COVID-19 relief.
Competitors will play the video game from their homes, and each will receive $25,000 donated to the charity of their choice, with the winner of the tournament receiving an additional $1 million donation.
Osaka joins other superstar tennis champions, including Serena and Venus Williams, as well as Maria Sharapova.
"I mean what’s not to like?" Osaka tells PEOPLE of deciding to sign on. "First and foremost: we are giving well over $1 million to COVID-19 related charities, the real reason we all signed on. It’s really amazing for us all to be able to come together in such a short time frame to help."
Osaka is personally playing for Hope for Haiti, a non-profit organization focused on helping the Haitian people in a variety of areas. Donating to the organization "means a lot," she says.
"I’m also a big gamer, so this is right in my wheelhouse," she admits, "even if Mario Aces is a bit more about luck than a traditional game I am still keeping my competitive spirit."
Osaka is paired with Hailey Bieber for t]he fun competition, which she says she's "so excited" about.
"I heard she has been practicing with Justin, so I’m hoping we do well," notes Osaka of her fellow bareMinerals ambassador.
The 22-year-old is grateful to be in a position where she's able to do something charitable during these uncertain times of pandemic.
"It’s always important to give back, one of the best parts about being in the spotlight is your ability to reach people around the world and inspire or help in some way," she says. "Playing for Hope for Haiti and knowing that I am helping provide people and kids with lasting impact as it pertains to health, the economy and general wellbeing of those affected by COVID-19 — that is really special and personal to me."
, which works to end child hunger in the United States. All of the participants, who played the video game from their homes, each received $25,000 to be donated to the charity of their choice.