Happy National Girls and Women in Sports Day!
Today marks the 39th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), co-founded and continuously supported by the Women's Sports Foundation (WSF). This day serves as a reminder of the significant advancements and growth in women's sports. It commemorates and celebrates the incredible women and girls who are outstanding players, leaders, and inspirations within their respective sports and the broader sports community.
Girls who participate in sports gain more than just health benefits; they also experience improvements in self-esteem and social skills that help them thrive. Studies have shown that girls who play sports are less likely to face mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety compared to those who do not. Despite these advantages, girls miss approximately 1 million high school sports opportunities. Additionally, since 2021, the percentage of children participating in team sports has declined compared to previous years.
What steps can we take to address this issue? First, we must find ways to encourage girls to participate in sports and create more opportunities for their involvement. Even today, girls have fewer opportunities to engage in sports than boys, just as they did 50 years ago. This ongoing disparity underscores a long-standing challenge in achieving equality in athletics.
How do we create these opportunities? We have to start organizing to get to the root of the problem. Often, young girls don't realize the opportunities playing sports can offer or the benefits they can gain. Sometimes, society does not expect young women to participate in sports, let alone thrive and succeed. However, with new opportunities and shifts in the culture of women in sports, we can see a change in the tides.
Hearing the stories of trailblazers like Wilma Rudolph and Althea Gibson, we see how they paved the way for today's stars. In tennis, Serena Williams redefined the sport with her dominance and resilience, inspiring the next generation, including Coco Gauff, who is now making her mark on the game. Similarly, legends like Candace Parker set new standards for excellence in basketball, paving the way for players like A'ja Wilson, who continues to elevate the sport.
There has been a remarkable transformation in our perception of women in sports. Female athletes are achieving significant milestones and breaking barriers, leading to a surge in the popularity of women's sports across various platforms. Events such as NCAA Women's Basketball tournaments have captured national attention, showcasing incredible talent and competitive spirit. Similarly, the WNBA continues to grow, highlighting the skills and dedication of women in professional basketball. These advancements not only elevate the profiles of these athletes but also inspire future generations, proving that the influence and impact of women in sports are stronger and more impactful than ever before.
As we consider the accomplishments of women in sports and their continuing journey, it is crucial that we build on this advancement. By supporting and motivating girls to engage in sports, we give power to the next generation of leaders, athletes, and role models. National Girls & Women in Sports Day reminds us of the progress we have made and the work that lies ahead to ensure equality, opportunity, and inspiration for everyone. Let's continue to challenge the limits and create an environment where every girl can aspire to great heights, compete fiercely, and make a significant impact in the realm of sports.
Discover more about the exciting opportunities offered by the 318 Foundation for girls in sports! Head to our SPORTS program page to learn how we empower young female athletes to thrive and excel. Don't miss out on the chance to inspire the next generation!
References
Women's Sports Foundation. (2022). 50 Years of Title IX: We're Not Done Yet. Retrieved from Women's Sports Foundation
Women's Sports Foundation. (2024). Thriving Through Sport: The Transformative Impact on Girls' Mental Health. Retrieved from Women's Sports Foundation
