In 2020, social norms were challenged like never before. Social justice movements have risen to the front pages of newspapers across the country. As we reconsider what is important to us, we have come to understand values in a new sort of hierarchy– health, teamwork, coming together, commitment, and socialization have become the cornerstones of everyday life as we hope and wait for a better tomorrow. While we continue to do our part in staying home, it is more important than ever to integrate these principles into our daily lives. Sports have become a medium by which we can communicate the truly important parts of our lives. The push for equitable representation across minority communities has put into the spotlight the importance of standing up for one another, creating safe spaces for growth, and celebrating wins. This National Girls and Women in Sports Day holds a deeper meaning this year, as we are coming together to celebrate women’s accomplishments and their contributions in predominantly male spaces.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day was created to be recognized as a national holiday in 1986. At the time, it was considered a commemorative day for Flo Hyman, a champion in women’s rights and inclusion in athletics. Since then, the day has become to mean so much more. 

Girls participation in sports notoriously tapers off as they enter into adulthood. Less and less women participate in sports starting as young as 13 years old — and it is no secret that the media and societal portrayal of women in sports is not the same as the coverage of male athletes. The coverage of women’s sports did not surpass the coverage of dogs and horses until 1992, with women’s sports covering only 4% of all sport media coverage. Not to mention, diet culture has boxed women into a stereotypical idealist body type, staying small, petite, and skinny. The pressure put on young women to fit a certain standard often dissuades girls from continuing a sport that would make them physically stronger and masculine, an added stressor to an already existing highly masculine space. Biological debates surrounding sex differences have raised questions concerning horomone balances and the capacity to be as physically strong as men. Female athletes are more likely than male athletes to be portrayed in sexually provocative poses as a means of preserving their femininity in the male gaze while they occupy a more masculine sphere. Despite this, women have climbed the ranks in sports ranging from soccer to volleyball, scoring more goals than men in some areas. Though the push is towards equality, we must celebrate the wins of female athletes as they overcome the traditional sexist trope of US sports.

By celebrating our girls in sports on this day, we are rewriting the existing culture of exclusion in the record books down the line. It’s time we start giving credit where it’s due and acknowledge the most impeccable athletes of our time, many of whom are women. 

The lack of positive and common role models is one of the most cited reasons for girls to drop out of sports at a young age. There is a lack of representation when it comes to inspiring female athletes, and especially a lack of multiple identities. Therefore, young girls find it hard to feel empowered in an arena they do not see themselves represented in. When considering the “household names” we all know when it comes to athletes, the first few names will likely be men. While they may be incredible athletes and performers, there is a very good chance that they are not even the technical best in their field. For example, Abby Wambach has scored more goals than any man on the US National Men’s Soccer Team — but is still often referred to as the greatest female soccer player in the US. What will it take for her to be recognized as simply the best of the best?

A culture shift is what is necessary. Raising our girls with sports and celebrating their participation is only the beginning. We must surround ourselves with the achievements of people with frequently underrepresented identities that are akin to our own identities. At the same time, we must saturate the media and dialogue with these powerful women in order to create great role models that our kids won’t have to think twice about. 

Our NGWSD Event

“I am going to tell my mom that today is a national holiday, so I don’t think we should go to school on this day next year!”

The Kids in the Game Foundation believes in equity and for too long there have been opportunity gaps for girls in sports. To celebrate national Girls and Women in Sports Day, we hosted our first ever NGWSD event, including a virtual activity and panel session for girls (and guys) of all ages and their families! The event included a high energy Tabata session lead by Coach Frances, some awesome women in sports trivia, and a short panel discussion with Liz Kennedy and LaKaitlin Wright. Liz Kennedy is a former collegiate swimmer and is now the Head of Marketing at Raise for Good, a social impact focused consultancy specializing in purpose driven organizations looking to accelerate capacity, capital, and awareness. Originally from South Georgia, LaKaitlin Wright is a History major at Towson University, where she plays basketball. We had people join us in NYC and beyond for our event. We can’t wait to do it again next year!

September 30th is National Women’s Health And Fitness Day! This annual observance is to celebrate all the ladies who are taking control of their health journey — by focusing on the importance of regular physical activity and health awareness, you’re ensuring you’re living your best life. 

Here are 8 quick tips to being a healthier woman, as well as some inspiring stories from a few of the incredible gals at Kids in the Game. 

8 tips to being a healthier woman

1. Go to your primary care doctor for a check up. By making an appointment with your doctor, you’ll know what to work on. Keep those health screenings up to date so you can be your best self. 
2. Take a look at your diet. If you bought a really expensive car, would you fuel it with potato chips? Fueling your body with healthy ingredients is key to taking care of her. (And of course some cookies in moderation, right?) 
3. Get moving. 30 minutes of activity a day can change your entire life. Go for a walk, ride a bike, or play your favorite sport. How will you move? 
4. Watch what you put in your body. Avoid putting harmful substances into your body. She doesn’t deserve to be treated like that! 
5. Prioritize sleep. This might be the most underrated one on the list. When we don’t get enough sleep, we aren’t energized enough to take care of anyone, let alone ourselves. Experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep per night. 
6. Reduce stress. Easier said than done, right? Try practicing gratitude when you’re stressed. Count five things that are going well in your life. By #5, watch your mindset totally change. 
7. Learn to say “no.” This is a critical skill. We just can’t do it all. Learn to prioritize what’s most important, and realize you don’t have to do everything that comes your way. 
8. Make a list for your medical visits. You know what’s going on with your body day to day much better than your doctor does. If you can present them with a list that summarizes what’s going on with your health, a doctor is much more set up to address your needs.

“Being a female athlete means to defy all odds and to empower yourself through all obstacles that are thrown at you. Sports have impacted my life tremendously as well as the individuals that I’ve met throughout my years of playing different sports. Sports have given me the ability to carry myself with a different level of confidence and positivity. I hope to be a role model and empower all of the young female athletes that I have the pleasure of working with in the future.”

Jeshley Jemenez, Adelphi Fellow

“Sports have been my life since I could remember. I grew up with two parents who were amazing athletes, so it was in my genes. Being a woman in sports not only helped me bond with my family (my dad taught me how to throw my first spiral!) but it also helped me learn the concept of a team. Learning at a young age how to work with others and how to strive to be better every day made me who I am today. Being a woman in sports helped me learn that being strong is beautiful and we are just as good as the boys. Young girls should not be afraid to show their strength, not just physically but mentally as well.”

Cara Hudson, Director of People and Culture

“I couldn’t imagine my childhood without sports. Every spare moment was filled with soccer, swim, and ski practice for as long as I can remember. Beyond fostering my work ethic, time management skills, and giving me some of my best friends for life, I gained skills that I didn’t even realize I had until my adult years. All those years of jumping into a pool at 5 in the morning have molded me into the person I am today and for that I am forever grateful for having the opportunity to be a ‘girl in sport’.”

Tatum Boehnke, Director of Community & Impact

“Playing sports was always an awesome experience for me even if I wasn’t the best player on the team. I was a happy go lucky kid who knew my contribution to the team no matter how small would make an impact even if it was a simple “good luck” or high five. Over the years, this is an attitude I’ve embedded into my coaching style and healthy lifestyle. As a college athlete trying to balance school, work and life lessons, there was one consistent element through it all – the pool. This was my space to completely be myself and create lifelong friendships. It was also a space that had limited women of color representation, which became and will continue to be my greatest motivator and honor.”

Ivelisse Rivera, Youth Sports Coordinator

“I always have the aspiration of being an athlete. I was a volleyball player in my elementary and high school years. And that was it… I felt my aspiration to be an athlete, as a swimmer or a runner, will always be an evasive dream.
My summer was totally different. It went from day to night! A wise person told me, “Turn this into an AFGO – Another Fantabulous Growth Opportunity.” I started running, and joining virtual 5K races – 1 in NY, 2 in CA and 1 in OH. I would always break my personal time. I’m not there yet, but I’m setting my eyes on the Boston Marathon!”

Frances Murphy, Director of Early Childhood

“Along with thousands of other women and Kids in the Game, I’m taking a moment to recognize the 2020 National Women’s Health & Fitness Day. For me, prioritizing fitness and health goes beyond physical activity. It’s about committing to positive change for yourself.

For years, I couldn’t run a mile, and I was ok with that. As I got older, I realized that I needed to prioritize self-care and part of that was developing a health and fitness routine that worked for me. When a friend asked me to train for a half marathon with her several years ago, I pushed myself to make that commitment. After months of training, we finished that race. Then we did it again. And again. Those were the moments that made me realize nothing is out of my reach. It wasn’t a major achievement compared to some, but it was something that inspired me to believe in myself. Being part of Kids in the Game allows me to be part of a community of women who have experienced this journey in their own way and are working tirelessly to help NYC youth find their own strength and resilience through sport and creative play.

So when we see other women (and men, and children) pushing themselves to become healthier and more physically fit, we should be their cheerleader. They’re on their way to becoming stronger physically and mentally.”

Sandy Persaud, Chief People Officer

“Sports really laid the groundwork for the woman I am today. They taught me what it meant to be a part of a team, what foods would fuel me, and showed me the incredible things my body could do. Daily activity, healthy eating (plus some cookies) and teamwork are still a part of my everyday life. I wouldn’t be who I am today without all that sport instilled in me.”

Stennett Smith, Creative Marketing Manager

At Kids in the Game, we’re lucky to be surrounded by strong women every day. Keep inspiring others!