“I really appreciate the support everyone has given me over the years & now I feel as though it is time I give support back.” –SERENA WILLIAMS, 8-TIME GRAND SLAM WINNER – ATHLETE, DESIGNER, ACTOR, PHILANTHROPIST, ICON

Serena Williams, age 26, has achieved the kind of greatness most people only dream of. She’s won tennis championship after championship, Open after Open, award after award. She’s been a powerhouse on the court since age 9 and has been acclaimed as one of the best tennis players in history. But her greatness extends far beyond the court.

Looking past her red-hot serve, Serena is a recognized fashion icon and designer, with numerous acting credentials. She was selected as one of People Magazine’s “25 Most Intriguing People” in 2002 & one of the top 10 celebrities in Biography’s top 100 Biographies in 2003.

But what is the truly amazing about Serena Williams is that, with all she’s accomplished, with everything she does, it’s giving that brings her the greatest joy. Her heart is dedicated to philanthropy & through many organizations, like Let Me Play, Serena has commit herself to helping others. To her, what matters most is seeing kids get a fair chance – a chance to be the best that they can be.

Unlike many athletes and celebrities at her level, Serena is using her fame to build something for tomorrow – not just courts and fields– but hope. For her, Let Me Play is about more than enabling sport; it’s about giving each and every child the opportunity to succeed, the opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise receive.

It takes an extraordinary person to stand up for so many charitable causes and to affect so many people in such a powerful way, not just with her talent, but with her voice. By spreading a powerful message, causing a real change and inspiring others to follow her lead – Serena Williams is more than an icon, she’s an innovator.

Today, Serena is standing up for the future, but she can’t do it alone. It’s time to speak out for equality and fighting for equal athletic exposure. Because every child deserves a court to play on and every child deserves the right to achieve their potential. Let Me Play believes, through athletic development, we can unleash the human spirit. And with the help of athletes like Serena, we can change the world.