Beyond Sport https://beyondsport.org/ Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:00:58 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://beyondsport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Beyond Sport https://beyondsport.org/ 32 32 Paralympics GB & Loughborough University Champion Disability Inclusion https://beyondsport.org/2024/11/01/paralympics-gb-loughborough-university-champion-disability-inclusion/ Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:30:52 +0000 https://beyondsport.org/?p=5659 ParalympicsGB and Loughborough University have partnered to drive innovation in Para Sport and champion disability inclusion across the sporting world. As part of their strategic partnership, the pair will work on programs addressing community engagement, education, career development and more. According to Sport England, only a quarter of disabled children in the UK say they […]

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Two wheelchair basketball players in action during a game, one wearing a purple Loughborough University jersey stretching to pass the ball, while the other, in a white jersey, plays defense. They are on a court with a Loughborough Sports logo visible in the background.

ParalympicsGB and Loughborough University have partnered to drive innovation in Para Sport and champion disability inclusion across the sporting world. As part of their strategic partnership, the pair will work on programs addressing community engagement, education, career development and more.

According to Sport England, only a quarter of disabled children in the UK say they participate in sports and activities at school, as compared to 41% of non-disabled children. These participation levels only decrease as they get older. Therefore, a large focus of the partnership will target disability inclusion in schools and universities. The collaboration will leverage Loughborough University’s cutting-edge sports research, facilities and expertise to support the development and success of the UK’s Paralympic athletes.

ParalympicsGB will harness the influence and know-how of its athletes and members to increase equitable access to sport for disabled people and transform attitudes towards disability in all settings. It will work closely with the University to improve athlete performance and champion the right of every disabled person to have the equal opportunity to be active.

Loughborough’s recently launched Para and Disability Sport Strategy includes a key theme on providing opportunities for disabled students to achieve at the highest levels or to be active and enjoy participating in sport.  It aims to provide equitable opportunities for its disabled students and partners in high-performance sports, wider community sports participation and workforce development. Students can compete across eight British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Para sports (Athletics, Badminton, Cycling, Powerlifting, Swimming, Triathlon, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Tennis) and it also runs five adaptive sports programs.

The partners will work together across seven key areas:

  1. Community Engagement and Outreach: Promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports communities and schools across the UK, leveraging Paralympics GB’s grassroots sport initiatives. Further initiatives include workshops, seminars and events designed to inspire the next generation of Para athletes.
  2. Championing Disability Inclusion: Advocating for inclusive and accessible environments that empower disabled people to thrive as employees, customers, or clients. This also includes working together to create insight into attitude and behavior change towards disability.
  3. Advanced Research and Innovation: Collaborating on research to explore new methodologies in sports science and develop performance health and wellbeing tailored for Paralympic athletes.
  4. State-of-the-Art Training Facilities: The University will continue to promote the availability of its premier sports facilities, which nine Paralympic sports are already using.
  5. Education and Career Development: Offering educational opportunities for Para athletes, helping them balance their sporting careers with academic and professional growth. The university’s students will gain opportunities to be part of the Paralympic workforce.
  6. Innovation in Para-Sports: Driving forward innovation in Para-Sports technology and equipment, ensuring that athletes can access the best tech to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury. This also involves the University’s partnership with the National Rehabilitation Centre.
  7. Sustainability: Using existing research to combat climate change and implement sustainability plans to ensure that disabled communities are not disproportionately affected.

Photos: Loughborough University

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Explore Head In The Game’s Resources On Reducing Stress https://beyondsport.org/2024/11/01/explore-our-head-in-the-game-resources-designed-to-reduce-stress/ Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:30:51 +0000 https://beyondsport.org/?p=5598 International Stress Awareness Week begins today with a theme of ‘Campaigning to Reduce Stress and Improve Wellbeing.’ We’re therefore  sharing some invaluable Head In The Game campaign tips specifically designed to help young people and teens manage stress more effectively. Head In The Game (HITG) is a Beyond Sport program powered by the Z Zurich […]

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Head In The Game logo with graphic reading 'See Stress as Positive'

International Stress Awareness Week begins today with a theme of ‘Campaigning to Reduce Stress and Improve Wellbeing.’ We’re therefore  sharing some invaluable Head In The Game campaign tips specifically designed to help young people and teens manage stress more effectively.

Head In The Game (HITG) is a Beyond Sport program powered by the Z Zurich Foundation to help improve mental wellbeing outcomes for teens in the U.S. and help close the gap on inequities. A key component of the program is our dedicated campaign which shares educational resources, inspirational stories and videos and supportive tips across social and its website.

Stress is normal and everyone experiences it, from dangerous situations to day-to-day activities. Stress in itself is not an illness, but when it becomes overwhelming and prolonged, the risk for mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance abuse increases. A recent report showed that 62% of people across 31 countries said they felt stressed to the point of it impacting their daily lives at least once in the past year.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. This, paired with global conflicts, the cost of living and climate-related disasters, is negatively impacting mental health. Children and youth are often the most vulnerable to stress-related mental health conditions alongside people of color, girls and women and those identifying as LGBTQ+.

TIPS ON MANAGING STRESS

Managing stress looks different for everyone and trying to find what works best for you is crucial. Here are some helpful things you can do to help you better cope with stress:

  • Set realistic goals and daily tasks that can be completed in an orderly manner.
  • Develop habits like going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day, exercising or meditating in the morning right after waking up.
  • Prioritize your sleep to give your mind and body a good break.
  • Make sure you are maintaining a good and healthy diet, do not skip meals.
  • Don’t judge yourself. Be kind to your body and mind and try not to expect too much of yourself and others.
  • Take one thing at a time. Pick one important task and work on it before you move in to the next.
  • Take breaks, put time on your calendar to focus on yourself and your wellbeing. Whether that looks like going on a walk, a bike ride or listening to music, it is up to you! Focus on what makes you feel good.

HOW TO BUILD MENTAL RESILIENCE

An important part of dealing with stress is viewing it as something positive rather than negative. HITG Expert Collaborator, the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport (CHJS), provides specialist insight and practical tips on the concept of ‘good stress.’ It coaches and student-athletes share ways to build mental resilience, whether that be in a competitive environment or in daily life.

Removing stress for young people won’t help them heal explains Megan Bartlett, founder of CHJS. “We build resilience when we experience stress and recover from that stress. So, every time we have a little bit of stress, and we can deal with it and recover, we’re actually building our tolerance to stress or building our resilience to stress.”

Coach Anthony talks about seeing stress as a positive:

Student-athlete Sam gives his perspective on stress and personal growth:

Coach Victor talks about teaching young people healthy stress management:

LEARNING COMMUNITY RESOURCES

HITG also includes a Learning Community for those committed to advancing youth mental wellbeing. The interactive platform promotes best practice sharing, useful tools and opportunities for training and knowledge-building for members. As part of its coaches trainings sessions, CHJS introduced the concept of “dosed stress,” which refers to maintaining manageable levels of stress and using stress as a positive force.

“I had never thought about how exercise and stress could work together to help the mind and body… I have noticed that stress has taught me to troubleshoot any issues. This thinking is crucial because it’ll help with future frustration when they do not get something ‘right’. I can’t wait to incorporate some ‘dosed stress’!”, shared a HITG Learning Community member.

Here are some resources and tips on stress from our Learning Community:

  • Download CHJS’s Nothing Heals Like Sport playbook for tips on how to incorporate “dosed stress” into your practice plans.
  • Check out the Stress Management Society’s (UK-based) free resources, including The Little By Little Journal.
  • Explore School Break Resources from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), tailored to assist youth with their mental wellbeing during school closures. With the holidays approaching, it’s important to understand that school breaks are an ideal time for youth to relax and engage in activities. However, breaks may bring their own set of stressors for young people and their caregivers. Disrupted routines and other changes can contribute to stress.

Visit the Head In The Game campaign website to explore more resources and tips on managing mental wellbeing. If you’re interested in joining our HITG Learning Community, click here.

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Aspen Institute Releases State of Play 2024 https://beyondsport.org/2024/11/01/aspen-institute-releases-state-of-play-2024/ Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:30:42 +0000 https://beyondsport.org/?p=5638 As part of its Project Play initiative, The Aspen Institute has released its State of Play 2024 report. Each year, the report analyzes trends youth sports in the U.S. covering participation, physical and mental health, coaching and costs of play for young people aged 6-18. The key takeaway of the 2024 report is that girls’ […]

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Young people play NFL Flag - American football.

As part of its Project Play initiative, The Aspen Institute has released its State of Play 2024 report. Each year, the report analyzes trends youth sports in the U.S. covering participation, physical and mental health, coaching and costs of play for young people aged 6-18.

The key takeaway of the 2024 report is that girls’ sports participation is increasing while boys’ participation is significantly declining. Girls aged 6-12 (34%) and 13-17 (38%) played at higher levels in 2023 than in any recent year dating to at least 2012. In 2013, half of boys aged 6-17 participated regularly in sports according to Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) data. Only 41% of boys did in 2023. Federal government data shows a decline for boys over the past decade.

Additionally, Black children are playing sports far less than they once did and Hispanic children are playing more. Only 35% of Black youth aged 6-17 regularly participated in sports during 2023, down from 45% in 2013, when Black children played at a higher rate than White peers. White, Hispanic and Asian children played sports more frequently in 2023 than Black youth. Participation by Hispanic children increased 14% in 2023 to its highest since 2016.

Girl running and celebrating.

Among the findings:

  • Children are also specializing in one sport even more after the pandemic. The average number of sports children aged 6-17 regularly played in 2023 was 1.63, which is down 13% from 2019. Over a decade ago, children used to play more than two sports on average.
  • Parents value trustworthy and trained coaches. More than half of surveyed parents say that a trustworthy coach would increase their enthusiasm to commit their child to the long-term activity, recommend the activity to other parents and enroll their child in more activities.
  • States are recognizing the value of mental health training for coaches. In 2024, seven high school state athletic associations required training for school coaches in mental health.
  • Youth sports remain in a dynamic phase, increasingly disrupted by technology such as artificial intelligence, the professional leagues-driven growth of sports like flag football, and NCAA-driven shifts that opened the door to NIL cash and influence.

The 2024 State of Play report was informed by many sources including but not limited to data from the SFIA and National Survey of Children’s Health surveys. Findings were also drawn from interviews with leaders in the youth sports sector, additional research, and media accounts. This year, the report also includes “10 Youth Sports Trends to Watch.”

Photos: Aspen Institute

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NBPA & TUNL Partner On Creative U.S. Voting Initiative https://beyondsport.org/2024/11/01/nbpa-push-to-get-people-to-vote-for-the-2024-presidential-election/ Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:30:39 +0000 https://beyondsport.org/?p=5627 The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), its members and the basketball community are advocating for civic engagement and voter participation in the run-up to the U.S. general election on Nov 5. Voter turnout in the 2020 U.S. general election soared to levels not seen in decades with more than 158.4 million people voting. However, the nation […]

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Two people walking down the street wearing top that reads 'Vote'

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), its members and the basketball community are advocating for civic engagement and voter participation in the run-up to the U.S. general election on Nov 5. Voter turnout in the 2020 U.S. general election soared to levels not seen in decades with more than 158.4 million people voting. However, the nation still falls short as compared to many other countries.

When comparing turnout among the voting-age population in the 2020 election against recent elections in 49 other countries, the U.S. ranks 31st between Colombia and Greece. Additionally, the 2022 voter turnout rates of Black (15%) and Latino (14%) youth were far below those of youth overall (23%). Young women (25%) also voted at a slightly higher rate than young men (21%) and the gender gap was more pronounced among Black youth.

The NBPA joined forces with TUNL, a platform merging sports, fashion and culture, to release a new ‘But Did You Vote?’ capsule collection to encourage voter registration and poll turnout. Designed by Creative Director and TUNL founding team member, Desyrée Nicole, this is TUNL’s first apparel collaboration. To further support civic engagement, it will also join with the NBPA Foundation and Social Change Fund to donate to When We All Vote to host four “Party at the Polls” events in Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Wisconsin. The national, nonpartisan initiative was founded and co-chaired by former First Lady of the U.S. Michelle Obama to increase participation in every election and close the race and age gap in voter participation.

“Voting is one of the most powerful ways to drive change, especially among young and minority voters who play a pivotal role in shaping our futures,” said Ashley Champ, TUNL Founder and CEO. “Since inception, TUNL has been rooted in community building and driving cultural movements. This is more than just apparel; it’s a call to action to ensure your voice is heard.”

Graphic reading 'But Did You Vote?'

In addition to this effort, the NBA and the NBPA teamed up with Vet the Vote, a nonprofit organization that recruits veterans and military families to serve as election poll workers. Recruiting and retaining poll workers has become increasingly challenging. Typically, America needs approximately one million volunteer poll workers during a presidential election.

To address this critical issue, the NBA and NBPA joined a coalition of 40 other national veteran and military family service and engagement organizations and businesses, including the NFL and NASCAR, working together to inspire veterans and military family members to “serve their communities again” through Vet the Vote. With the NBA and NBPA’s help alone, the nonprofit has recruited over 162,000 members.

“Voting rights haven’t always been a privilege in this country,” said C.J. McCollum, President of the NBPA. “It is critical that we never forget that and use the power of our collective platforms to influence the change we hope to see in our country. Regardless of political affiliation or stance on key issues, it’s our goal to encourage not only NBA players, but all eligible voters to turn out to the polls this November and make their voices heard.”

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Rising Hearts To Raise Awareness of Violence Against Native Women at NYC Marathon https://beyondsport.org/2024/11/01/rising-hearts-raise-awareness-of-violence-against-native-women-at-nyc-marathon/ Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:30:05 +0000 https://beyondsport.org/?p=5646 Afro-Indigenous professional boxer-turned-actress Kali Mequinonoag Reis and professional long-distance runner and Indigenous activist, Jordan Marie Whetstone are raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) during this Sunday’s TCS New York City Marathon. Founded by Jordan, Rising Hearts is an Indigenous-led grassroots organization that works to elevate Indigenous voices, promote justice and […]

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Jordan Daniel and Kali Reis stand in marathon running attire smiling.

Afro-Indigenous professional boxer-turned-actress Kali Mequinonoag Reis and professional long-distance runner and Indigenous activist, Jordan Marie Whetstone are raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) during this Sunday’s TCS New York City Marathon. Founded by Jordan, Rising Hearts is an Indigenous-led grassroots organization that works to elevate Indigenous voices, promote justice and dismantle racism and violence.

Kali and Jordan are running the 2024 race to bring more visibility to MMIWP and raise at least $100,000 to launch the organization’s ‘You Are Loved’ grant program. The community grant was created to help provide financial resources to the families and communities within the MMIWP space that need support in fighting for justice, accountability, healing and a safer future.

Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are victims of violence at a much higher rate than other populations. Native women continue to go missing and are murdered at alarming rates. In 2016, The National Crime Information Center reported there were 5,712 reports of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls. Only 116 of those cases ever made it into the U.S. Department of Justice’s federal missing persons database, NamUs.

Native women make up a significant proportion of missing and murder cases. Not only is the murder rate ten times higher than the national average for women living on reservations but murder is the third leading cause of death for Native women. This is startling as Native people only make up 2% of the US overall population. Additionally, Indigenous women are more likely to experience physical and sexual assault than non-Indigenous women.

Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone is a citizen of Kul Wičasa Oyaté (Lower Brule Sioux Tribe), while Native rights advocate Kali ‘KO’ Reis is of Seaconke Wampanoag and Cape Verdean decent. The two are running for justice and with purpose to raise funds for the grant which Rising Hearts created with the Urban Indigenous Collective (UIC). As shared on Instagram, “The financial stress can be a lot when a loved one is missing or found not alive. Most of the time, it’s the families that are fundraising immediately, survivors of violence needing resources and community advocacy organizations needing continuous funding to keep supporting the families, communities, survivors, advocacy, events and legislative efforts.”

Their 2024 TCS NYC Marathon fundraising goal is to initiate the grant program, with a long-term vision of securing sustained funding from both community sources and external agencies. Rising Hearts will donate $20K to directly support UIC’s MMIP Taskforce and the individuals they help. The organization states that it needs more resources to support court costs, search and rescue operations, data collection, travel for hearings, legal fees and mental health and wellness services. Applications for the grant program will go live January 1, 2025.

Jordan dedicated her 2019 Boston Marathon to 26 missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Since then, she has been on a mission to bring more visibility to the movement. Since 2020, Rising Hearts has helped raise over $200,000 through its virtual wellness campaigns for families of missing and murdered loved ones, advocates and survivors. Jordan will also run the California International Marathon on December 8 to continue fundraising for ‘You Are Loved.’

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Sported & Sudu Partner On ‘Project Fair Play’ https://beyondsport.org/2024/10/25/sported-sudu-partner-to-launch-project-fair-play/ Fri, 25 Oct 2024 08:30:47 +0000 https://beyondsport.org/?p=5523 UK charity Sported and UK sportswear brand SUDU are partnering to make running more attainable for young people in Greater Manchester and beyond. Through their Project Fair Play initiative, grassroots running clubs will receive vital support with a first year goal to get 1,000 youth running for the first time. Rexona Breaking Limits Program grantee […]

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View of young people running from behind

UK charity Sported and UK sportswear brand SUDU are partnering to make running more attainable for young people in Greater Manchester and beyond. Through their Project Fair Play initiative, grassroots running clubs will receive vital support with a first year goal to get 1,000 youth running for the first time.

Rexona Breaking Limits Program grantee Sported encompasses the UK’s largest network of community groups working to promote fairness and create opportunities for young people. It supports 2,900 grassroots organizations, providing free professional expertise and resources to groups using sport and physical activity to positively impact youth. Nearly half of its members operate in the country’s most deprived areas, largely through volunteers and also facing challenges in accessing traditional funding sources.

Out of the groups Sported currently supports, only 50 focus on running. Therefore, Project Fair Play wants to engage more young people in the sport. It will provide grants and actively onboard more running-based groups as official Sported members. The initiative not only intends to help build running communities, but also to champion mental health and wellbeing, as well as create safe spaces for youth.

View from above of a group of people running.

The initiative is offering seven grants of £1000 each to running groups that can demonstrate that they’re actively addressing three out of five societal issues outlined by Sported. These include fostering community cohesion, addressing inequality in sports participation, endorsing health and wellbeing, reducing crime and antisocial behaviors and making running accessible to everyone.

The project will provide these groups with grants throughout the rest of 2024 and 2025, which they can use for expenses. Expenses can include venue hire, sports gear, coaching costs, volunteer expenses, equipment, participant/activity costs, marketing and communications, training and qualifications and insurance and affiliation. In addition to these grants, it will also fund one ‘Deep Impact Grant’ to support an existing Manchester-based Sported community group.

“Opening the doors to help more young people take up running is one way to address inequalities in participation, as well as improving physical and mental wellbeing,” said Mark Woods, Head of Marketing at Sported. “We share the same goals – they’re all about inclusivity, diversity and giving everyone a fair chance in life. Through this program, we can make a real difference and we’re excited about what we can achieve working together.”

SUDU will also commission and fund a research and insights project to explore the disparity between running and other sports. The study will inform the development of a comprehensive plan to address the identified gaps and enhance accessibility for all running groups.

Photos: Sported X SUDU

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NFL & Parent Heart Watch Launch AEDs for Youth Program https://beyondsport.org/2024/10/25/nfl-parent-heart-watch-launch-aeds-for-youth-program/ Fri, 25 Oct 2024 08:30:41 +0000 https://beyondsport.org/?p=5498 In October, the U.S. recognizes Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month in order to raise awareness about SCA, its signs and symptoms. This month the National Football League (NFL) and Parent Heart Watch, the only national organization dedicated to protecting youth from SCA, have launched an initiative to make life-saving training more accessible. The AEDs […]

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Young girl student stands next to her lockers, on the other wall a woman is attaching an AED to the wall, which is a life-saving tool against sudden cardiac arrest

In October, the U.S. recognizes Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month in order to raise awareness about SCA, its signs and symptoms. This month the National Football League (NFL) and Parent Heart Watch, the only national organization dedicated to protecting youth from SCA, have launched an initiative to make life-saving training more accessible. The AEDs for Youth program intends to equip K-12 schools and youth sports organizations with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and device management, empowering them to prepare for emergencies and create safer environments for children and young people.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiac arrest is a public health crisis with more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually – 90% of which are fatal. Though it’s not a common occurrence, 2 in 50 U.S. high schools can expect a SCA event each year and an estimated 2,000 children will die from cardiac arrest each year. Additionally, roughly 23,000 seemingly healthy young people under 18 die from SCA.

These tragic and often preventable deaths highlight the urgent need for greater awareness and access to life-saving tools like AEDs and CPR training. Treatment within the first three minutes is critical to avoid serious neurological damage or death. As of 2022, 20 states and the District of Columbia require schools to have AEDs, however, most states don’t have laws or regulations requiring AEDs in schools. Schools equipped with AEDs have a survival rate of about 70% for students experiencing SCA, which is significantly higher than the general survival rate for school-aged children.

Someone practicing CPR on a dummy.

In collaboration with Coro Medical and Avive Solutions, Inc., the new program offers significant discounts on FDA-approved AEDs for schools and youth programs. It is open to all K-12 public and private schools, as well as youth sports organizations serving children up to age 17. Additionally, certified instructors from AHA and American Red Cross will offer discounted CPR and AED training.

This initiative is the League’s latest effort to raise awareness of SCA and promote CPR and AED education. The issue became prominent following Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during a 2023 game. The NFL and its long-time partners, the AHA and American Red Cross, worked with coaches and other youth providers last year to ensure proper training on medical emergencies.

The program is a project of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which was created a few months after Hamlin’s incident demanding better SCA prevention protocol. The NFL along with major sports organizations and leading health advocacy groups created the Coalition, which includes Parent Heart Watch, to advocate for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based policies that will prevent fatal outcomes.

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NRPA & Nike To Advance Gender Equity in Youth Sport https://beyondsport.org/2024/10/25/nrpa-nike-advance-gender-equity-in-youth-sport/ Fri, 25 Oct 2024 08:30:26 +0000 https://beyondsport.org/?p=5545 Virginia USA-based nonprofit, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has teamed up with Nike to address and boost gender equity in youth sport, especially for girls. NRPA invests in and champions the work of 60,000 plus park and recreation professionals as a catalyst for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness and overall health […]

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Young girl getting help with archery.

Virginia USA-based nonprofit, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has teamed up with Nike to address and boost gender equity in youth sport, especially for girls. NRPA invests in and champions the work of 60,000 plus park and recreation professionals as a catalyst for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness and overall health and wellbeing. With Nike’s investment, the organization will conduct nationwide gender equity research, provide professional development opportunities and highlight studies and impactful stories of girls and women who have participated in sports in park and recreation programs.

Nike’s support for park and recreation agencies (PRA’s) and foundations dates back to the early 1960s, when Nike co-founder Phil Knight served as program director at Kenilworth Park and Lents Park in Southeast Portland for two summers. Since then, the company has supported park and recreation programs in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City and Portland, Oregon.

Across urban, rural or suburban communities, PRA’s provide a wide range of daily youth programming. According to NRPA’s Youth Sports report, five in six park and recreation agencies work with partners to deliver youth sports activities. However, each year, girls have 1.3 million fewer opportunities to play sports than boys. As one of the largest providers of sports for youth in the nation, local PRA’s are critical to advancing gender equity and ensuring that all kids can benefit from fun, welcoming and positive sport experiences.

“NRPA is thrilled to partner with Nike to advance gender equity in youth sport through the power of parks and recreation,” said Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. “Girls do better physically and mentally when they have the chance to play sports, yet girls are dropping out at twice the rate of boys. Park and recreation agencies are leaders in creating positive youth sport experiences for all kids, and have a unique opportunity to adopt new practices, policies and norms that level the playing field and prioritize girls and women.”

Two young girls throwing balls in the sky in a park.

As part of the partnership, NRPA will also provide funding to 10 park and recreation agencies in support of gender equity strategies. This work will culminate in a strategy to help the more than 10,000 park and recreation agencies increase access and build a culture that celebrates girls and women in sports.

“At Nike we believe access to sport is a fundamental human right that can help build stronger, more inclusive communities. Yet, the reality is: girls continue to enter sport later and drop out earlier, if they have the chance to start at all,” said Matt Geschke, Senior Director of Americas, Social & Community Impact at Nike. “That’s why the opportunity to partner with NRPA to create a gender equity roadmap for park and recreation agencies across the U.S. — where millions of kids get their start in sport, and more girls will in the future — is fundamental to how, together, we can scale and sustain the research and program solutions NRPA is leading.”

Agencies are encouraged to apply for NRPA’s Gender Equity in Sport Community of Practice to participate in an NRPA-led learning community, providing education and peer-to-peer learning focused on gender equity in sports. Participants will also receive $20,000 to implement new strategies to increase access to sports and build a culture that celebrates girls and women in sports.

Nike and NRPA currently collaborate on the Million Coaches Challenge, which awards training to 30 agencies to upskill coaches on youth development practices and Project Play’s 63×30 initiative that intends to achieve 63% youth participation in the U.S.

NRPA was an Expert Advisory Council member of the Return to Play Fund founded by Beyond Sport and ESPN.

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IWA-Sport Empowers Teen Girls with Disabilities Through ‘HerMoves’ https://beyondsport.org/2024/10/25/iwa-sport-empowers-teen-girls-with-disabilities-with-hermoves/ Fri, 25 Oct 2024 08:30:24 +0000 https://beyondsport.org/?p=5551 T0morrow in Clontarf, Dublin, the Irish Wheelchair Association Sport (IWA-Sport) will host its ‘HerMoves’ sports open day. The event is designed to empower girls with physical disabilities aged 13-17 to “Find Something That Moves You” in line with the 2024 theme. 13.5% of the Irish population has a disability and 51.6% of those are girls […]

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Young girl in wheelchair wearing a sports jersey.

T0morrow in Clontarf, Dublin, the Irish Wheelchair Association Sport (IWA-Sport) will host its ‘HerMoves’ sports open day. The event is designed to empower girls with physical disabilities aged 13-17 to “Find Something That Moves You” in line with the 2024 theme.

13.5% of the Irish population has a disability and 51.6% of those are girls and women. IWA-Sport bridges gender gaps by delivering sustainable participation programs, building volunteer capacity through coach education and training programs, raising the profile of girls and women and delivering a number of leadership initiatives. It is Ireland’s first National Governing Body (NGB) to focus on women in sport with physical disabilities.

The event is part of the HerMoves and Sport Ireland partnership to inspire and support more teen girls to get active through confidence building and motivational opportunities. With research showing that if girls enjoy something socially, they will do it more often and stay with it longer, IWA-Sport’s event is about connection, friendship, active lives and growing its community of teenage girls.

Irish Paralympian powerlifter, Britney Arendse will be in attendance to inspire young women to dive into local sporting activities that promote inclusivity and engagement within the community. Paralyzed in a car crash, she uses her journey of overcoming adversity and conquering powerlifting to inspire teen girls who are also living with a disability. “Never give up, because we can all do great things. God has a plan for everyone, even me when I was put in a wheelchair… I want to do my best and show young kids they can do anything in life and accomplish anything they dream of too,” Arendse told the Irish Independent.

The event is open to teen girls with a physical disability, along with a friend or sister of the same age. Activities will include a PoundFit dance class, Para Archery, Para Tennis, Para Athletics, Wheelchair Rugby, Wheelchair Basketball and Boccia (precision ball sport). There will also be a panel discussion with leading personalities from Sport Ireland, IWA-Sport and Arendse, as well as an interactive nutrition workshop.

“I’m looking forward to the IWA-Sport HerMoves event because it will bring together teen girls with physical disabilities in a fun, inclusive environment. Our goal is to create a sense of community, empowering the girls to feel confident and capable by engaging in a range of activities. Attendees will gain self-confidence, new skills, and the chance to connect with others,” said Aoife Beggs, IWA-Sport Women in Sport coordinator.

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Beyond Sport United 2024 https://beyondsport.org/2024/10/23/beyond-sport-united-2024/ https://beyondsport.org/2024/10/23/beyond-sport-united-2024/#respond Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:31:10 +0000 https://beyondsport.org/?p=4948 REIMAGINING PURPOSE IN SPORT This year’s annual gathering in New York is dedicated to driving organizational and societal development under the unifying theme of purpose. Featuring interactive, educational sessions led by teams, leagues, brands and sport for social change experts, it will be a  day of learning and networking as we explore ways for sport […]

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Graphic featuring silhouettes from 5 sports

REIMAGINING PURPOSE IN SPORT

This year’s annual gathering in New York is dedicated to driving organizational and societal development under the unifying theme of purpose. Featuring interactive, educational sessions led by teams, leagues, brands and sport for social change experts, it will be a  day of learning and networking as we explore ways for sport to drive opportunity, equity and community!

Attendees will build their day from workshop options curated to ensure relevancy to their work and reflecting current trends in the industry such as the below and more:

  • Improving impact measurement for sport for social change initiatives through new technologies
  • Incorporating perspectives and experiences from marginalized groups who have historically been excluded from mainstream sports
  • Building gender-inclusive sports systems and programs
  • Understanding young people’s wants when designing mental health programming
  • Implementing development programs that advance local leadership and community-led approaches

Beyond Sport United is by invitation-only.

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