Michelle Kwan, of the US, performs her routine in the 2002 Winter Olympics ladies short program figure skating competition from, Tuesday night, February 19, at the Salt Lake Ice Center, in Salt Lake City. [Photo/IC]

Through the interactions with young people of many countries, she said, she witnessed the benefits of women and girls getting the opportunity to play.

"It's not about giving a girl a ball to play with. It is so much more than that. It is giving a girl a chance, an opportunity to dream," she said.

Citing UN reports, she stressed that girls who play sports experience increased achievement in many areas. "When women and girls are able to fully participate in sports, in society, in school and in the work place, they help create stronger and more stable communities."

"We can all be that voice to ensure that all women and girls have the equal opportunity to a brighter future," she said.

Kwan's husband, Clay Pell, was unsuccessful last year in his bid to become governor of Rhode Island.