https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/
Mission: The Women’s Sports Foundation is a powerful voice and catalyst for ensuring that all girls have equal access to sports and physical activity and the benefits they provide.
History: The Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) is the leading authority and “go-to resource” promoting gender equality through sport. Founded in 1974 by tennis legend and social justice icon Billie Jean King, the WSF advances the lives of girls and women by creating opportunity and lasting social change.
WSF’s work is recognized for its impact in the gender equity and sport spaces, however the ripple effect of our work is far reaching. Participation in physical activity and sport, particularly for girls and women, is transformative at all levels – from the first grader in dance class to the sixth grader on the basketball court to collegiate and elite athletes. Participation in all forms has life-changing implications including: improved health, self-confidence, perseverance, greater academic success and life-long leadership skills.
Individuals/Target: WSF is committed to serving the most vulnerable girls for whom there are glaring disparities in access and opportunity. This includes girls of color, the LGBTQ community, low-income youth and those with disabilities.
Specifically, the foundation is funding the Athlete Ambassador Program which is a mentoring program between WSF elite athletes and our community/regional partners that we support with funding, technical assistance and educational curriculum. Athlete Ambassadors are matched with these girl-serving organizations closest to their hometowns so they can make a difference in their local communities. During the year, athlete ambassadors will make in-person and virtual visits to connect with girls and inspire them to continue playing sports, believe in themselves, dream big and grow to become leaders. The key components of the in-person visits include a brief motivational talk along with Q&A, sports clinic and, in some cases, grant check presentations.