Nike Los Angeles collaborated with the Mayor’s Foundation to deliver an annual moment for the city of LA to empower youth through sport and commemorate Title IX day on June 24th . This event brought out 300 girls from various inner-city based after school programs to expose them to basketball, soccer, and mindfulness practice.
The event further surprised young girls with special guest appearances from Paralympian Scout Bassett and First Lady Amy Elaine Wakeland.
Los Angeles Program Development Manager, Mikayla Campbell had the privilege of participating in this event as a soccer coach for the day. She, alongside other female coaches led the participants soccer relays and obstacle courses. Being that this would be the first time a handful of the participants had ever touched a soccer or basketball, the girls were excited to have learned how to kick a soccer ball and dribble—they thanked the coaches for teaching them new skills and growing them in the sport.
Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal law that states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance”. Title IX gives female athletes the right to equal opportunity in educational institutions that are recipients of federal funds. Since the passing of this law, female participation in high school sports has undeniably increased, by more than 900% actually. At the college level, women’s participation in sport has increased by over 500%.
We know that more opportunities for girls and women In sports means higher participation. Way to go Los Angeles in playing for more OPPORTUNITY!
