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Catch the Ball (Girls and women's
fitness tips)
The world is changing. You see it
everywhere. At home, school, the workplace and in athletics.
Everyday, parents, teachers and coaches come together
to teach today's youth-not just with words but by example.
Change occurs when we eliminate stereotypes, offer opportunities
and celebrate accomplishments.
A
major change a historical milestone took
place this June with the tip-off of the inaugural WNBA
season, and Sears, Roebuck and Co. is thrilled to celebrate
this accomplishment. As a national sponsor of the history-making
league, Sears is excited to help open the door of opportunity
for these incredible athletes and, in turn, you.
In recognition and support of its
long-standing commitment to women, Sears is empowering
women and girls everywhere to catch the ball of opportunity
and drive with it by offering valuable information about
the benefits of getting involved in sports at an early
age. Inside this brochure, you'll find insights from
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
reflecting the impact sports and physical activity have
on young lives on and off the playing fields, as well
as practical advice on how to put those insights into
play.
Historically, Sears has been in the
forefront of connecting with and empowering women. The
tradition continues with the WNBA sponsorship-the centerpiece
of the brand's commitment to women's athletics. The
WNBA provides sports enthusiasts with intense athletic
competition from top players who are inspiring role
models. Beginning June 21 and throughout its 10-week
season, the WNBA offers fast-paced basketball action
in state-of-the-art arenas and nationally televised
broadcasts on NBC, ESPN and Lifetime.
As roles change, so does the world.
It is widely acknowledged that sports can be a catalyst
for change. Sports participation can boost self-esteem
and encourage leadership roles. In this changing world,
girls now have the opportunity, the pride, and the enjoyment
of watching and participating as proudly as boys. Sears
is proud to help hold open this door of opportunity
and assist girls and women everywhere achieve great
heights both on and off the court.
Important Information From The
President's Council On Physical Fitness & Sports
Established more than 40 years ago,
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
serves to promote, encourage and motivate the development
of physical activity and sports participation for all
Americans. In the past, involvement in sports primarily
has been associated with males. During the past two
decades, however, girls' and women's involvement in
sports has increased dramatically. Today, more girls
are participating in a wider array of physical activities
and sports than ever before.
No longer relegated to the sidelines,
girls can share the social, physical and emotional benefits
of sports and physical activity. Girls participate,
not only for competitive reasons, but to get in shape,
socialize, improve skills and have fun. Sports and physical
activity can make a significant difference in the lives
of girls and their participation should be encouraged
by parents, coaches, educators and sports leaders.
The President's Council released the
landmark report, Physical Activity and Sport in the
Lives of Girls," under the direction of The Center
for Research on Girls and Women in Sports at the University
of Minnesota. The report highlights expert opinions
on some of the most current and cutting-edge issues
regarding girls' involvement in physical activity and
sports. Consider some eye-opening findings from the
study that underscore the value of sports in lives of
girls.
- Healthy head start. Girls should be encouraged to
get involved in sports and physical activity because
they can reduce the likelihood of developing a number
of health-related conditions. In addition, sports
help build important social skills such as determination,
cooperation and problem solving.
- Boost self-esteem. Exercise and sports participation
offers girls positive feelings about body image, improved
self-esteem, experiences of competency and success
and increased self-confidence.
- Benefit of mind and body. Exercise and sports participation
can enhance the physical and mental health of adolescent
females.
- Relieve stress and the blues. Physical activity
can help reduce symptoms of stress and depression
among girls.
- Higher education. Sports are educational assets.
Many high school female athletes report higher grades
and standardized test scores and lower dropout rates,
and are more likely to go on to college than their
non-athletic counterparts.
- Live longer and healthier. Regular physical activity
in adolescence can reduce girls' risk for obesity,
which can lower adult onset of heart disease, osteoporosis
and certain cancers. Research proves physical activity
can improve quality of life.
Ten Tips To Find The Right Sports
Program In Your Area
According to The President's Council
on Physical Fitness and Sports, childhood and adolescence
are critical times to lay the foundation for lifelong
physical activity. Sports participation can significantly
help girls through challenging periods and set the tone
for a healthy adult life.
Unfortunately too many young people,
especially girls, are not active enough. Here are some
practical tips on steps you can take to get involved
in your local community and encourage girls to reach
their full potential:
- Contact your local school. Take advantage of sports
programs offered by your local school and sign up
to play! School-based sports programming is a terrific
way for girls to get involved in sports at an early
age. If programs are limited, work with the school
board or PTA to develop a program for the next season.
- Research programs offered by your local park district.
Park districts are a great resource for organized
sports programs and activities. They offer a wide
variety of classes that can augment involvement in
school-based sports and keep girls active year-round.
- Call local sports teams to learn about programs
they offer. Many professional sports organizations
including the WNBA and its teams, host special clinics,
camps and tournaments run by coaches and players.
Contact local teams to learn about dates and times
of these activities or check your local newspapers
for ads and information.
- Contact local YWCA/YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs
or other youth organizations. These community-focused
organizations sponsor a number of competitive and
recreational leagues. Often, these leagues are organized
to meet the needs of s variety of skill and age levels.
- Take a lesson. Individual and group lessons are
an ideal way to learn the basics or improve skills.
Consider enrolling the entire family in a group lesson
as a way to integrate sports into family life.
- Sign up for a summer camp. Contact summer camps
specializing in a specific sport instruction. Camps
are a great place to learn about teamwork Consider
enrolling with friends to make it more fun.
- Team up with parents coaches and teachers. Work
together to inspire girls to participate in a wide
range of activity and ensure your community offers
sufficient programming. Networking is an effective
way to identify opportunities to get involved.
- Join a health club. Health club memberships offer
the flexibility to engage in numerous physical activities
such as aerobics and swimming. In addition, many clubs
offer private instruction.
- Enroll in Girl Scouts or other similar organizations.
These community-based, girl-focused organizations
can play an important role in motivating girls to
participate in health-related fitness activities that
build motor skills for a lifetime of activity.
- Check out books and videos from the library.
Libraries are home to thousands of
books and videos on almost every sport. You can pick
up books and videos on sports instruction, or even books
that showcase the careers of players.
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