athleticgals.com

Sports have given us Athletic Gals far more than just a temporary adrenaline boost, shiny medals, and better fitting jeans.  Our athletic pursuits have enriched our lives on and off the field, giving us a better appreciation for our bodies and instilling in us a sense of confidence.

But for some young women in the Chicago area such athletic opportunities don’t exist, impeding their overall personal development.  Schools strapped for funding continue to slash athletic programs, and for some recess is a thing of the past.  Since 1995, Chicago non-profit organization Girls in the Game is trying to fill this void by implementing sports programs specifically designed for girls from elementary through high school.

Men and women reading this might ask, “Why focus on girls?  Aren’t boys affected by the lack of physical activity as well?”  Unfortunately, even 37 years after the passing of Title IX, the cuts seem to be affecting girls more than boys.

“In most of the elementary schools we work in, they do not offer girls’ sports teams,” says Girls in the Game executive director Amy Skeen.  “Some might offer just one or two types of sports for girls, but the rest are out of luck. Co-ed physical education also seems to focus more on the boys.  You’ll often see them on the court, and the girls are sitting on the sidelines.”

To address this imbalance, Girls in the Game hosts a variety of girl-focused sports programs at 31 Chicago area schools.  These academic year-long programs are followed by summer camps which are open to all students, even those who aren’t part of an after school program.

Skeen stresses that all of their programs go beyond throwing balls onto a court and sending the girls off to play.  In addition to teaching sports ranging from lacrosse to yoga, Girls in the Game also focuses on a spectrum of health and wellness issues unique to girls.

“When you look closely at the curriculum we’ve written at Girls in the Game, it is targeted to girls dealing with body image and self confidence issues,” says Skeen.  “We incorporate team-building activities as well as nutrition education to focus on the whole girl.”

If you are interested in helping this organization reach more girls, there are many ways you can get involved:

• Step up:  Crazy about capoeira?  Have a knack for making healthy snacks?  Girls in the Game welcomes both men and women to be one-time guest coaches or weekly assistants in their programs.  “We aren’t looking for elite athletes,” Skeen stresses.  “Just people who are committed to girls’ sports.”  Check out the Girls in the Game web site for other volunteer opportunities available for techies, event gurus, and tutors.

• Join up:  Last year, TEAM GIG’s charity runners and triathletes raised $60,000.  “Since it costs $500 for one girl to participate in one year-long after school program, this is tremendous,” says Skeen.  While there are official TEAM GIGs formed for this year’s Chicago Marathon and Rock N’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon, anyone participating in other races or tris can raise money for Girls in the Game and receive the same fundraising support given to runners in the official races.

• Give it up:  Of course, a little money goes a long way.   Girls in the Game provides a  list of unique ways to donate.  You can also forward your donation to one of their Team GIG charity runners.  (Ahem ahem!)

• Start it up:  Could your community us an organization like Girls in the Game?  Let them know! “Our curriculum is currently being evaluated by Loyola University’s education school,” says Skeen. “We are looking for other sites and identifying those we can train to start this program.  We hope to kick off our first training session in the fall.”  ~TS