A Windsor-Essex non-profit group dedicated to keeping girls engaged in sports will honour deserving athletes at an event next weekend.
Kingsville-based Count Her In Sports, whose mission is to keep girls and young women engaged in organized sports, will hold its fundraising and annual awards event on Saturday, June 21, at Pelee Island Winery.
Founder Kara Murray said that the purpose is to buck the trend of girls dropping out of sports more frequently than boys.
"We can’t keep telling girls they can do anything if we don’t show up and support them doing something," said Murray. "This isn’t just about athletics. It’s about equity, resilience, and helping girls see that they belong, in sport and beyond."
Canadian Women & Sport reported that one in three females drop out of sports as teenagers, compared to one in ten boys. It also said that by age 16, half of Canadian girls are not playing sports at all. Girls from low-income households are also three times more likely to quit due to financial constraints.
On the other hand, the report said that girls who stick with sports are less likely to face anxiety or depression, are more likely to become leaders as adults, and are more likely to graduate and be successful in postsecondary education.
Count Her In Sports supports the nurturing of female athletes by investing in clinics, helping purchase equipment, and providing mentorship opportunities in Windsor-Essex.
The group will present awards in categories for student-athletes, coaches, and young women who overcame challenges to succeed as athletes. Bursaries of up to $1,000 will also be awarded.
Saturday's fundraiser will offer live music, food, and drink, family-friendly activities, and a keynote speech by Paralympian Danielle Campo.
Tickets are $85 for adults, $50 for students, and $25 for kids aged five and under.
Complete information about Count Her In Sports can be found on its official website.