Former US figure skater Michelle Kwan waves to the crowd after performing her routine in the 2002 Winter Olympics ladies short program at the Salt Lake Ice Center in Salt Lake City in this February 19, 2002 file photo. [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.