Barbie brand honours the profound impact of
sports in igniting confidence among young girls by:
- Honouring nine women in sports who have broken boundaries
around the world with one-of-a-kind role model dolls
- Introducing doll assortments highlighting fan-favorite
careers in sports
TORONTO, May 22, 2024
/CNW/ - Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced today, in
continued celebration of Barbie's 65th anniversary, the brand will
honour nine athletes around the world – including Canadian soccer
star, Christine Sinclair, – with
one-of-a-kind role model dolls made in their likeness. Knowing that
girls involved in team sports are more likely to believe they are
smart enough for their dream career, have high opinions on their
abilities and competencies, increased leadership aspirations and
enjoy higher levels of self-confidence 1, Barbie is
bringing together these inspiring stories that are shaping the
future to show girls that anything is possible if you relentlessly
pursue your passions.
Mattel honours Canadian soccer star,
Christine Sinclair, with a
one-of-a-kind role model doll made in her likeness.
"Barbie is thrilled to continue the brand's
65th-anniversary celebration by recognizing the impact
of sports in fostering self-confidence, ambition, and empowerment
among the next generation," said Krista
Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of
Dolls, Mattel. "We are proud to continue fueling the
momentum surrounding women in sports by welcoming these nine
athletes as our newest role models. The sports one-of-a-kind role
model dolls serve as an embodiment of our shared values of passion,
empowerment and individuality. 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."
"As an athlete, it was never a thought in my wildest dreams that
I'd be immortalized with an iconic doll," said Barbie Role Model
and Canadian Soccer Player, Christine
Sinclair. "I am so honoured to be recognized as a Barbie
Role Model during Barbie's 65th anniversary celebrations alongside
so many incredible people around the world. The significance of
this aligns with my hope of inspiring young girls to never give up
on the sport they love or anything they might want to achieve. I
truly believe that by sharing the stories of women in sports, we
can pave the way for future generations of athletes."
By recognizing athletes that have broken barriers for women in
sports, Barbie hopes to help amplify the voices of women in sports
to commemorate their accomplishments on and off the field. The
Barbie brand remains committed to empowering girls to pursue their
interest in sports, encouraging their continued beliefs in their
limitless possibilities by honouring nine trailblazing women
athletes around the world with one-of-a-kind role model dolls made
in their likeness to celebrate the barriers they have broken for
women in their respective fields. This lineup includes:
- Christine Sinclair
(Canada): Soccer Player
- As soccer's greatest international scorer with 190 goals to her
name, Christine Sinclair has solidified her status as the most
successful soccer player from Canada [of all time].
- Venus Williams (United States): Tennis Player
- One of the most decorated Olympic athletes with four gold
medals and the first woman in tennis to earn equal prize money
at Wimbledon, Venus Williams
has courageously persevered through countless obstacles to inspire
social change within tennis and the sports industry at large.
- Mary Fowler (Australia): Football Player
- At just 21 years old, Mary Fowler has become a key player
for the Matildas and Manchester
City football teams. She was selected for the FIFA World Cup in
2019 and became the team's youngest player at 16 years old. Since
then, she has been to two FIFA World Cups and the 2020 Olympic
Games.
- Estelle Mossely (France): Boxer
- Crowned Olympic champion in 2016 and has won numerous
professional and world amateur boxing titles.
- Alexa Moreno (Mexico): Gymnast
- As Mexico's first female world
medalist in gymnastics, Alexa Moreno
is recognized by Forbes Mexico as one of the 100 most powerful
women in Mexico.
- Rebecca Andrade (Brazil): Gymnast
- Olympic gold and silver medalist, Rebeca Andrade is
regarded as one of the best gymnast of all time. The Brazilian girl
is a two-time World Championship champion and has won more than ten
medals in World Cups.
- Susan Rodriguez (Spain): Paratriathlon Athlete
- Born with albinism, Susan
Rodriguez began running at age 10 and has since become a
barrier-breaking paratriathlon athlete. She has not only set
records in her sport, but she doubled as a young doctor on the
front lines amid the pandemic, earning her the cover of TIME
magazine in 2021.
- Federica Pellegrini
(Italy): Swimmer
- Federica Pellegrini is a former
swimmer and an Olympic gold medalist, she has been the first woman
to break the 4:00 barrier in the 400mm freestyle. Right after her
last competitions in 2020, she got an important international
recognition: election to the IOC Athletes Commission.
- Ewa Swoboda (Poland): Track and Field Sprinter
- Top ranked European sprinter, Ewa Swoboda's determination,
talent, and fearless nature have served as a source of inspiration
for young girls across the globe. She is a three-time European
Indoor Championship medalist, as well as a World Indoor
Championship medalist, holding the world lead of 7.01 seconds in
the 60-meter race.
Through initiatives like the Barbie Dream Gap Project, Barbie is
committed to leveling the playing field for girls globally, in
sports and beyond, to close the gap that comes between girls and
their full potential. In support of closing the Dream Gap, and in
partnership with Walmart Canada, for each Barbie doll or Barbie
playset sold at any Walmart Canada retail store in Canada or online at Walmart.ca from
June 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024, Mattel
Canada will donate $1 to
the Christine Sinclair Girls with Goals Foundation, up to a maximum
total amount of $10,000.
The Barbie brand is continuing to commemorate its
65th anniversary throughout the year, with new
celebratory offerings, including:
- NEW SPORTS DOLL LINEUPS AND PLAYSETS are available at
retail to encourage the next generation of empowered women to
explore a future in sports through play.
- The 2024 Barbie Sports Doll lineup includes a basketball
player, boxer, tennis player and volleyball player featuring sports
uniforms and equipment.
- The 2024 Soccer Doll Assortment includes four soccer
players in a variety of uniforms, featuring a soccer ball, cleats
and tall socks.
- The Gymnast Playset features a gymnast wearing a purple
leotard and 10+ accessories including a balance beam, warm up mat,
medal and gym bag.
- UNVEILING NEW BARBIE-THEMED COLLABORATIONS featuring 12+
brand partners across fashion, food, beauty, accessories and
publishing for fans to continue the 65th anniversary celebration,
including: OLIPOP, Ked's, Random House Children's Books, Assouline,
CHI, FUNBOY, Monnalisa, Pottery Barn Kids, Yoobi, Aldo, The Frozen
Farmer, Cheryl's Cookies and Unique Vintage.
By amplifying the stories of trailblazers and championing the
momentum surrounding women in sports, Barbie hopes that young girls
can be inspired to stay in sports and pursue their passions.
1 According to the NAACP + The Girls' Index
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company
and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world.
We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands,
including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®,
Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®,
Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular
properties that we own or license in partnership with global
entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content,
consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products
are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and
ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is
proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore
the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at
mattel.com.
SOURCE Mattel Canada, Inc.