The annual Western New York Girls in Sports Clinic was held Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Bills Healthy Zone Fieldhouse.
Over 250 girls ages 9-12 participated in an array of interactive sporting activities, including tennis, basketball, running, volleyball, stretching, golf, fitness dice and soccer.
Founded in 2004 by Mary Wilson, the WNY Girls in Sports Clinic hosts girls from various "Closing the Gap" schools throughout Western New York. The girls who participated in the fun, engaging event learned lifelong skills such as sportsmanship and working as a team.
More than 80 volunteers from the University at Buffalo, Canisius College, Medaille College, Upstate NY. Jr. Golf-First Tee of WNY, Niagara Frontier Jr. Olympic Volleyball Club, Buffalo Soccer Club, Girls on the Run, United Way and members of the Bills Strength and Conditioning Department all attended the event, providing the girls with guidance and inspiration.
The day began with opening remarks from founder Mary Wilson and surprise guests from the Western New York Flash Women's Professional Soccer Team.
The girls then gathered in their groups, starting with a hula-hoop warm-up, then moving on to their interactive sports stations.
"It is my vision to have girls participating in sports," said Mary Wilson, Founder of WNY Girls in Sports. "It's a passion and it's fun."
Wilson hopes that by introducing girls to various sports, a positive impact will follow them for years to come.
"It's extremely valuable on every level," said Wilson. "You learn sportsmanship, integrity, how to get along with your teammates, you learn how to win and lose."
The WNY Girls in Sports Clinic is made possible by partnership with the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, Buffalo Public Schools, and the Girl Scout Council of Western New York.
To view photos from the event click here:
