On Saturday, Oct. 24, approximately 200
girls, ages 9-12, and the Canisius College softball team took part in The
Western New York Girls in Sports Clinic at the Buffalo Bills Field House in
Orchard Park, N.Y. The Western New
York Girls in Sports group was founded five years ago by Mary Wilson, wife of
Bills owner Ralph Wilson.
In partnership with the Buffalo Bills, United
Way and Buffalo Public Schools the girls were given the opportunity to
participate in different sports-themed stations such as golf, tennis, lacrosse,
basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball, nutrition and even the rules of Title
IX, that requires gender equity in public schools for girls and boys.
"It is nice to be a role model for these
girls," Canisius softball catcher Michelle Fridey said. "It is also great to be
able to show them how they can get out and play more, make friends and use
sports as an alternative to help them stay out of trouble."
In all, about 120 volunteer
coaches spent their free time working with the girls and showing
skills, drills and tips for staying physically fit while also presenting
information regarding sports opportunities through Title IX.
The
goal of the WNY Girls in Sports program is to empower, educate and motivate
young girls through sports participation, learning life skills and awareness of
Title IX and its history. For more information, visit the community
page at buffalobills.com
In addition to the participating college
teams, also assisting were volunteers from Upstate NY Jr. Golf,
Sportsplex, Niagara Frontier Jr. Olympic Volleyball Club, Buffalo Soccer Club,
the Buffalo Jills Cheerleaders and the Girl Scouts of Western New York.