Raising an empowered, physically fit and confident girl is daunting in today’s world.
Girls are often inundated with negative stereotypes, spend countless hours in front of screens and lack the opportunity to engage in activities designed for fitness.
Girls in the Game is out to change that. Started in 1995, Girls in the Game provides and promotes sports and fitness opportunities, nutrition and health education, and leadership development to enhance the overall health and well-being of girls.
Currently, one in six girls are overweight in our country, with girls of color at an even higher risk. And parents can’t rely on in-school physical education classes to get their daughters physically active during the day. Even when schools do offer physical education—and many Illinois schools apply for waivers to release them from not offering daily gym classes—girls participate less than boys. Eighty-four percent of urban 11th and 12th grade girls do not attend gym, compared to 48 percent of boys, according to the Women’s Sports Foundat
Girls in the Game steps in where schools and parents often cannot. More than 3,500 girls participate in the organization’s programs, which include everything from yoga to soccer, dance and lacrosse. Girls are encouraged to get in “any game” that will provide opportunities for leadership and teamwork, and help nurture good decision-making and nutritional choices for an overall healthy lifestyle.
“We are unique in that we work with the girls from ages 6 through 18,” says Amy Skeen, chief executive officer of Girls in the Game. “What we’ll often see is girls coming with a hesitant attitude, and by the time they’ve been through our program, they are showing strength inside and out.”
The facts support the mission. Research shows that girls who are physically active and involved in healthy-lifestyle programs have higher grades and self-esteem, are more likely to graduate, and are less likely to drink, use drugs, or engage in risky behaviors.
Programming takes place in a positive, all-girl space—schools, parks and community centers—where participants are empowered to find their voices, explore new physical activities, make healthy choices, and support one another. Girls engage in the activities year-round, resulting in better body images, lower body mass indexes (BMI) and confidence in themselves as leaders with the ability to change their lives and their communities.
Girls in the Game By the Numbers:
- Each year, there are 3,500 participants who live in a cross-section of neighborhoods on the north, south and west sides of Chicago, as well as in the suburbs.
- Of the 30 school sites, 83 percent of students in those schools qualify for free or reduced lunch. At 25 of the schools, that percentage is higher than 90 percent.
- 42 percent of the Girls in the Game participants are of Hispanic/Latina descent, while 38 percent are African American.
Upcoming Events:
- Hops for Humboldt, May 6, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Revolution Brewing, 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago
Help raise funds to support programming in Humboldt Park while enjoying Revolution Brewing‘s great food and craft beer. For more information, contact Dawn Kobel at dkobel@girlsinthegame.orgor call (312) 633-4263. Tickets cost $40 each.
- 15th Annual Chip in for Girls Golf Outing, Monday, June 23. Event begins at 8 a.m. with breakfast and registration.
All funds raised provide scholarships for girls from underserved communities to attend the four-week day and overnight summer camp, as well as the Girls in the Game teen Summer Squad program. The Summer Squad program allows girls of all ages to experience the great outdoors, make new friends and become stronger and healthier. Sponsorships and foursomes available. For more information, contact Dawn Kobel at dkobel@girlsinthegame.org or call (312) 633-4263.
