Christine Sinclair Honored With Personalized Barbie Doll
Toronto – In honor of Barbie’s 65th anniversary, Mattel, Inc. has launched a new initiative recognizing the powerful impact of sports in building confidence among young girls. As part of this celebration, Barbie is unveiling one-of-a-kind dolls representing nine groundbreaking female athletes from around the world, including Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation by showcasing the limitless possibilities that come with pursuing one’s passions.
Canadian Soccer Star Christine Sinclair Honored
Christine Sinclair, hailed as the most successful soccer player in Canadian history with 190 international goals, is among the athletes being honored with a personalized Barbie doll. Expressing her excitement, Sinclair stated, “As an athlete, it was never a thought in my wildest dreams that I’d be immortalized with an iconic doll. 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.”
Global Trailblazers Recognized
In addition to Sinclair, Barbie’s new role model dolls celebrate eight other trailblazing women in sports:
- Venus Williams (United States): Tennis champion and advocate for gender equality in sports.
- Mary Fowler (Australia): Rising soccer star and key player for the Matildas and Manchester City.
- Estelle Mossely (France): Olympic boxing champion and world titleholder.
- Alexa Moreno (Mexico): Pioneering gymnast and influential figure in Mexican sports.
- Rebecca Andrade (Brazil): Renowned gymnast and multiple Olympic medalist.
- Susan Rodriguez (Spain): Barrier-breaking paratriathlon athlete and frontline doctor.
- Federica Pellegrini (Italy): Olympic gold medalist swimmer and record-breaker.
- Ewa Swoboda (Poland): Elite sprinter and European Indoor Championship medalist.
Encouraging the Next Generation
Mattel’s initiative extends beyond recognizing these athletes. In partnership with Walmart Canada, Mattel will donate $1 to the Christine Sinclair Girls with Goals Foundation for each Barbie doll or playset sold at Walmart Canada locations and online from June 1, 2024, to July 31, 2024, up to $10,000. This collaboration underscores Barbie’s commitment to supporting young girls in sports.
New Sports Doll Lineup
Barbie’s 2024 sports doll lineup features new dolls representing various sports, including basketball, boxing, tennis, and volleyball. Additionally, a new gymnast playset includes a gymnast doll with comprehensive accessories, encouraging girls to explore a future in sports through imaginative play.
Celebratory Collaborations
To mark Barbie’s 65th anniversary, the brand is also launching collaborations with over 12 partners across fashion, food, beauty, accessories, and publishing. These partnerships, featuring brands like OLIPOP, Keds, Random House Children’s Books, and more, aim to continue the celebration throughout the year.
Through initiatives like the Barbie Dream Gap Project and the new role model dolls, Barbie continues to celebrate and amplify the achievements of women in sports. By highlighting these trailblazers, Barbie aims to inspire young girls worldwide to stay active in sports and confidently pursue their dreams.
