World Netball has today announced Malawi netballer Mary Waya as its official Heart Ambassador.
Waya started playing netball for Malawi at the age of 14 and has since earned over 200 caps for her country whilst helping them to secure their highest ever placing of 5th at the Netball World Cup in 2007.
In 2012, the Malawi star then went onto coach the Tanzania National Netball team, and away from the court has also set up the Mary Waya Foundation.
The foundation is a non-profit sports academy in Malawi that aims to empower local African women through sport, and World Netball president Liz Nicholl CBE believes this work and attitude makes Waya the ideal Heart Ambassador for World Netball.
Nicholl commented: “Mary is a role model for millions in Africa through her legacy as an international netballer, coach, and entrepreneur.
“Her vision to inspire and motivate young women and girls to become confident women through her Foundation demonstrates why Mary is the perfect ambassador to represent our ‘Heart’ value.
“By educating others, providing opportunities, and showcasing the power of sport, Mary is using her experience and life lessons to give back to the community.”
Commenting on her appointment, Waya herself added: “I am extremely honoured to have been invited to become the World Netball Heart Ambassador.
“I am passionate about the sport and want to use it to create role models that can go back into their communities and motivate others to be the best version of themselves in their everyday lives.
“World Netball’s strategic plan outlines how the governing body will harness the power of netball to change lives and I look forward to working with them on this.”
Waya is the 6th Ambassador that World Netball has revealed since their re-brand from the International Netball Federation.
To find out more about the Ambassadors, click here.
World Netball will continue to announce more ambassadors over the coming weeks.
