The London Olympics came to a close, and now we don't know what do with ourselves as we don't have to spend hours catching up with the Games' events every night anymore... Yes, we are a bit of an Olympics crazy family. My daughter nearly fainted with excitement when I mentioned how cool it would be to go to Rio in four years. We shall see.
However, the biggest take-away of these games, for me, and I am sure for many other women out there, was the role of the ladies in these Olympics. For the first time in history, the United States sent more female athletes than males to the games. So did Russia, Canada and China. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Brunei sent female athletes for the first time. Another first was the addition of women's boxing, which meant that women competed in all 26 events. Hip hip hurray!
The importance of athletics to women, and especially girls, cannot be underestimated. Participation in sports benefits both physical and mental health, builds children's self confidence, and reduces stress. Sports programs support the message of healthy living, and being strong. This message transcends to the rest of the girls' lives. Participating in sports also provides girls with opportunities to learn and lead, and to expand their network of friends and deepen friendships, even build a stronger sense of belonging to a community.
Seeing so many female athletes being so successful and strong in these games breaks down gender stereotypes, and increases girls' and women's active presence in the public sphere. This can change how regular girls view themselves, and even change the ways as communities view girls and girls' sports.
As a mother of three strong, athletic girls, I am so happy seeing the ladies' Olympic success!
I really hope the momentum for female sports keeps going. I will certainly ensure that my daughters will always participate in some sports program.
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