Maria Sharapova has donated $250,000 to the United Nations Development Program to provide children affected by the Chernobyl disaster with access to sporting activities.
Sharapova, a UN Goodwill Ambassador, visited the region last week.
"It has always been my dream to contribute to the recovery of a region where I have a personal connection," said the Russian, whose parents lived in the region until the nuclear explosion forced them to leave shortly before she was born.