OUR STORY

In the winter of 2017, a visionary named Will Roberts, known as @WillieRo, embarked on a remarkable journey that would give birth to an innovative concept capable of revolutionizing the world of sports, health, and community education. Will's background as a Division 1 athlete, animator, and designer uniquely positioned him to explore uncharted territories that merged his love for competition, artistic expression, and social impact.

Before founding the VR Diamond League (VRDL) and conceptualizing Valla, Will had tasted success as a football player at the University of Oklahoma and later honed his creative skills while earning an MFA in 3D animation and Sound Art at the University of Southern Illinois Carbondale. However, it was his deep connection with his Harlem community and reflections on his upbringing in inner-city Miami that fueled a fire within him to create something truly transformative—a platform that could inspire positive change and bridge societal gaps.

As a personal design challenge, Will asked himself a series of profound questions that set the stage for his visionary project. How could he address the pressing issues of health and wealth disparities in underserved communities? How could he channel his creative passion, sporting enthusiasm, and knowledge-sharing into a meaningful endeavor? How could virtual reality become a bridge connecting different cultures and generations? These questions ignited a spark of innovation in his mind, propelling him toward creating a competitive gaming community that went beyond traditional tournaments and trophies.

Fueled by a commitment to education, character-building, integrity, and inclusivity, Will set out to establish the VR Diamond League and Valla as vehicles for change. He aimed to design a virtual sport that seamlessly merged the virtual world with the realm of physical competition, envisioning an entirely new breed of athlete—equipped not only with remarkable gaming skills but also invaluable life lessons. This was the birth of Valla, an innovative concept that embraced the core values of play, education, and character development.

A critical catalyst for Will's journey was his recognition of the dire need to combat the alarming rates of physical inactivity among the youth, particularly within Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The World Health Organization's findings that 81% of adolescents are insufficiently active was a stark reminder of the urgent call for change. Moreover, the heavy burden of traumatic events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest, school shootings, and environmental challenges bore heavily on the shoulders of these young generations, impacting their mental health and emotional well-being.

Driven by this awareness, Will's mission expanded beyond the boundaries of sport and entertainment. He saw an opportunity to harness the power of technology, particularly virtual reality, to create a safe haven where physical fitness, mental fortitude, and emotional healing could converge. Through Valla and the VR Diamond League, he envisioned a solution that would not only address physical inactivity but also serve as a sanctuary for healing, growth, and unity.

In essence, Will's journey was a response to the pressing needs of the times—a dynamic fusion of innovation, empathy, and a relentless drive to bring about meaningful change. By creating Valla and nurturing the VR Diamond League, Will aimed to pioneer an era where athletes were not only skilled competitors but also ambassadors of positive change within their communities. His vision for a new generation of elite athletes, equipped to excel both on the virtual field and in the journey of life, was a testament to his dedication and unwavering belief in the power of sports, technology, and community to shape a brighter future.

As the VR Diamond League and Valla continued to evolve and make their mark, they served as living examples of how innovation can become a catalyst for social transformation. With a foundation rooted in play, education, character, and inclusivity, these initiatives stood as beacons of hope, illuminating a path toward a healthier, stronger, and more united future—one where every participant, regardless of background, could partake in a movement that transcended mere competition and ushered in a new era of holistic well-being.