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.