A “Sporting Chance”

Click on photo for source

When I walked back into my parents’ house last night, I found my dad watching the documentary titled “Sporting Chance.”  Although I did not watch the entire program, in the short time I was watching it there were so many interesting comments made, stories told, and experiences shared.

One of the many aspects of this program that stood out to me was the short discussion on the buttons that went out stating “Give Women a ‘Sporting Chance.’”  Dr. Bernice Sandler discussed that these buttons were put together to fight against Title IX opposition.  What was interesting is that she stated that many of the biggest supporters and wearers of the buttons were men; they supported Title IX since they knew what it was like to not be able to play sports.

I think that this button is something that should be recreated and distributed once again today, especially after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the creation of the “Global Sports Mentoring Program” and their “Empowering Women and Girls Through Sports” initiative to “support opening more doors for girls and women in sports” this past Wednesday.  In my opinion, it’s absolutely great that after 40 years of working to gain equality for women we are looking to not only determine how we can continue to promote equal opportunities, both professionally and on the court/field/etc. in the US, but how we can help women in other countries obtain the same equality as well.  I especially think it’s great as we are helping to emphasize the health, social, and educational benefits that participation in sports brings to all young women around the world.

One can only imagine how much can change if these programs and their ambassadors are successful.  Who knows, Sue Falsone may not be the only female Head Athletic Trainer in one of the four major professional leagues.  We may get more head coaches, SIDs, athletic directors, managers, and the list continues, who are women.  We may even be able to help get girls to use their participation in sport to avoid poverty in third world countries; or, even help to promote women’s sports in areas where their participation is opposed by the government (whether it is plainly stated or not).

While these goals may seem lofty to some, I am encouraged and so excited about what lies ahead for our profession.  I’m also even more interested in how I can be a part of this movement.  (In fact, personally, I don’t know how you can’t share these feelings as well.)  As an athlete who has grown up never knowing what it was like to not have these opportunities, it almost feels that I owe it to the ladies and gentlemen who fought long and hard to make my experience a reality.  So, as we celebrate the 40^th anniversary of Title IX, I encourage you to take in all the information that is on the TV and in the papers, give thanks, motivate yourself to continue to help make a difference in the lives of women in the present and in the future, and find ways to give back to the cause.

Reference:

State Department Creates Global Sports Mentor Program for Women Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-06-21/state-department-creates-global-sports-mentor-program-for-women