The WNY Girls in Sports program held a sports clinic for 200 girls on Saturday, November 8th at the Buffalo Bills Field House.
In partnership with the United Way and Buffalo Public Schools, this interactive sports clinic encompassed female students from eight different "Closing the Gap" schools ages 9-12. Various stations such as softball, tennis, golf, lacrosse, volleyball, rowing, nutrition and Title IX were set up around the Field House for girls to learn more about the positive impact that sports can have on their lives. These young girls participated in the different sports, learned more about sports and health and had a lot of fun in the process.
Mary Wilson, wife of Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson, founded the WNY Girls in Sports program in 2004 and was on hand to interact with the girls throughout the sessions. In addition, approximately 200 volunteers from the University at Buffalo, Canisius College, Niagara University, Upstate NY Jr. Golf, Sportsplex and the Niagara Frontier Jr. Olympic Volleyball Club took part in coaching and educating the girls.
The turnout of volunteers and their expertise displayed with the girls was a tremendous benefit for the girls. With nearly one volunteer per student, the students received a lot of one-on-one time with the volunteers.
The goal of the WNY Girls in Sports program is to inspire, educate and motivate young girls on what sports can do for their lives. For one Saturday in November, mission accomplished.
