- Award Entered:
Sport Federation or Governing Body of the Year
- Parent Organisation:
Girls in the Game
- Project Host Nation:
United States, Chicago: Throughout Chicagoland
- Overview of Project:
Compared to youth nationwide, Illinois youth are less likely to be physically active and more likely to spend their time in front of a TV or computer screen. Twenty-four percent of Chicago’s children are obese compared to 13 percent nationally. In addition, seventy-nine percent of elementary students have gym class only once a week and 82 percent of schools have eliminated recess. Chicago’s girls are disproportionately affected, and girls of color or from lower economic backgrounds are at greatest risk.
The Chicago Park District recognizes the need and engages thousands of children in programming annually. However, with limited staffing, boys and girls are grouped together, and when large groups are the only option, it’s often boys using the fields and courts and girls sitting on the sidelines. Girls in the Game addresses this with programs that expose girls to a wide mix of sports and fitness activities year round, teaching teamwork, determination and health education in a positive, all-girl environment.
Girls in the Game works closely with the Chicago Park District to provide award-winning, evidence based programming and are committed to expanding their relationship and finding a way to get all girls off the sidelines and into the game.
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Comments
Add Your Comment
Amy Skeen: 23 Sep 2010 - 01:37 BST
Thanks to all who bring the power of sport to girls every day. If we are recognized with this honor, we will continue helping girls all over Chicago discover strength, experience teamwork and make their world a better place -- a win-win for ALL!!
Lyn: 21 Sep 2010 - 04:32 BST
Girls in the Game is a great organization providing much needed year-round programs for girls in the Chicago area. They could do so much good with the award and business support. They definitely should win.
Kathy: 21 Sep 2010 - 04:29 BST
Put girls first! Send a message that girls are important and deserve the same benefits that boys programs get.
Colleen: 21 Sep 2010 - 04:03 BST
Girls in the Game building self esteem, health and wellness education and strong young women. Can't think of a better cause.
GIG # 1 Supporter: 17 Sep 2010 - 21:14 BST
Gig can really help you develope more as a leader and also a person. You meet awesome people, and experience things that are awesome and that will reallly change your life.
Sports M.D.: 10 Sep 2010 - 22:01 BST
Girls in the Game is an outstanding organization that serves girls throughout the Chicago-land area. I have met many of the girls that benefit from this organization's programs and I know that their involvement has and will make a difference in their lives. I have been impressed with this group's ability to focus on making sure that funding is given directly to the girls' programs and not on administration expenses. I know that this award would allow the expansion of girls' programs and serve girls that need it most.
girl power: 10 Sep 2010 - 16:01 BST
This group brings the power of sports to girls. What they learn on the field translates into the classroom and beyond. One vote from each of us can make a lifelong difference in the lives of thousands of girls and their communities.
RichardB: 10 Sep 2010 - 10:50 BST
I will be coming over from London for the BS conference and wanted to say, from a distance, good luck to you guys for this award. Sounds like a great project. As a father of a daughter myself i know just how important sport can be to create self-esteem, a sense of worth and a bonded community spirit. This is especially important in young girls who are more likely to drift away from exercise as they mature. Keep up the good work and fingers crossed for you.
Cody: 09 Sep 2010 - 19:50 BST
Girls in the Game is truly a program that is making a long lasting impact on young girls lives. I have had the experience of working with this program and its staff over the years and I applaud their efforts and dedication. All girls should have this experience.
Vicki: 08 Sep 2010 - 01:01 BST
after being involved in 10 or so different volunteer programs, girls in the game is THE MOST impacting organization i have been involved in. daily impact, individual impact, a beautiful organization that i can see thriving with the support of others, and FAST!
NicoleJ: 04 Sep 2010 - 16:33 BST
Ive seen Girls in the Game in action. It is a terrific program that goes beyond involving girls in sport. GIG teachs coping skills, respecting others, builds self esteem...GIG has changed and saved many lives. They do a great job!!!
Michelle CWRFC: 03 Sep 2010 - 19:37 BST
One of the great things about Girls in the Game is that their guest coaches come from Chicago based teams who one day hope to recruit the girls involved!!
Get ALL GIRLS in the game: 03 Sep 2010 - 02:02 BST
Girls need programs just like this! If girls learn at a young age that they have the skills to accomplish their goal, just imagine what our world could be like in 5, 10, 20 years!
Marissa: 02 Sep 2010 - 19:07 BST
I worked with Girls In the Game as a student and it is such a great organization, staffed by so many amazing women, who are making a significant impact in the lives of Chicago's young girls. Congrats GIG!
Patricia: 02 Sep 2010 - 18:39 BST
GOOD LUCK!!!! I so appreciate your hard work on behalf of girls and our greater good!
GIG #1 Fan: 02 Sep 2010 - 00:59 BST
This is a very awesome program!!! Participating in this organization will truly make a difference in your life.
MARIA: 01 Sep 2010 - 20:52 BST
GIRLS IN THE GAME IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!