This article was written by our writing leader Mikayla.  Get to know our Summer 2018 Leaders here!

SheIS strong. SheIS brave. SheIS fearless. SheIS hardworking. SheIS a trailblazer. SheIS the reason we get to play.

Women around the world are and have been paving the way for young girls to come up through sports. They are making it possible for them to visualize a life where they can play sports professionally and not have to worry about having to have another job to support themselves.

Think about the last time you watched a women’s professional sporting event. How long ago was it? How often do you watch that team or league? Now think about the last male professional sporting event you watched and ask yourself the same questions. I’m going to guess that you probably watch men’s sports more often than women’s and honestly, most of us do.

Women’s athletes have never received the recognition that they deserve. Sports for women are rapidly growing in North America and all over the world. More females are involved in sports than ever before but still many people are unaware of the many obstacles regularly faced by female athletes. Many women have trouble finding places to play the sport they love at a high level while still being able to financially support themselves. In order to play at a high level, hours on end of training is required but the training is sometimes limited due to the full time job needed.

SheIS is an incredible movement committed to promoting and advancing women’s sports globally. SheIS was founded by Brenda Andress, Commissioner of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL). Leagues including the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Women’s Pro Fastpitch League and the Canadian Women’s Hockey League have come together to not only support each other but to try to increase attendance and resources. There are also many female athletes and role models who are standing to help promote SheIS. This includes Olympic ice hockey players, Natalie Spooner, Sami Jo Small and Tessa Bonhomme.

Their mission is to support women in sports everywhere, in all levels. They want to encourage us to represent the sports we play and watch and even more, support other females in sports. A vision for SheIS is to have resources accessible for all women in sports so that playing the game they love professionally can be a real option especially financially, that women’s sports are represented equally at all levels and that women are encouraged to be involved in sport and valuable learn life skills.

According to SheISsport.com 82% of female business executives played sport which shows the beneficial lessons and skills girls learn from sport. Did you know that women have 1.3 million fewer opportunities than male equivalents. Finding solutions to the inequality in sports is something that SheIS wants to do. Anything is possible when we support one another.

SheIS is encouraging everyone to take the SheIS challenge and the pledge.

Step 1: Take a picture or video of yourself watching or attending any female sporting event, amateur or professional.

Step 2: Post it to social media, use the hashtag #SheIS as well as tag SheIs, and challenge three or more friends to do the same.

Step 3: Keep it going by going to more games and sharing pictures.

Click here to view the pledge

Completing this challenge will help promote the women’s game and give the athletes the credit that they’ve always truly deserved. I challenge each and every single one of you reading this to try and complete the SheIS challenge!

Women in sports are determined to make change. They’re fighters and they will change the way female sports are viewed so that everyone who comes after will have equal opportunities. We all have to do our part and support and promote the incredible athletes who work their whole lives to be the best in their sport. If you are interested in donating to the SheIS Fund, click here and to learn more about SheIS and their mission click here.

 Are you a woman or girl who loves sports? Give us your take below.

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Feature Image Credit: Mar Bocatcat via Unsplash