A Winning Combination

Sports and Physical Fitness Yield a Lifetime of Benefits For Girls

Participation in sports can yield a lifetime of benefits for girls and young women. Skills learned now -- leadership, teamwork, setting goals - will last a lifetime, whether a girl goes on to become a pro athlete, parent, scientist, business executive or community leader.

Team sports teach girls how to be self-reliant while drawing upon the strengths of others. Girls learn how to work competitively and collaboratively. And a study by the California Department of Education finds that girls who are physically fit do better in school.

Even in losing, there are lessons to be learned. Girls learn not to fault themselves but to change their strategy. On the field or in the gym, they discover that problem-solving contributes to success.

All in all, there's plenty to be gained:

Physical fitness: Sports develop girls' strength, flexibility, balance, and body control -- whether by serving a tennis ball, walking the balance beam, tossing the javelin, or shooting a basket.

Determination and perseverance: Sports teach girls how to push beyond and transcend limitations -- both physically and mentally.

Self-esteem and confidence: Sports bring positive self-images to girls while their bodies grow and change. During adolescence, it is normal for girls to gain extra pounds, at a time when they are often influenced by unrealistic images of females in the media. Being active helps girls control their weight and feel more at peace with their bodies.

Strategic thinking: Sports teach girls that winning and losing are equally valuable experiences. In losing, girls learn not to fault themselves but to change their strategy. On the field or in the gym, girls discover that problem-solving contributes to success.

Interdependence: Team sports teach girls how to be self-reliant while drawing upon the strengths of others. Girls learn how to ask for and give help to teammates. They learn how to work competitively and collaboratively.

Many fathers find that sports offer a ready means of strengthening the father-daughter bond, while mothers may find an opportunity to try a new activity with their daughters. For moms and dads alike, there are things you can do to inspire your daughter's love of sports:

Cultivate interest as early as possible. Some parents enroll toddlers in swimming programs at their local community sports centers.

Encourage her to participate in sports at school or in the community with the local Girl Scouts, YWCA, church and community groups.

Express interest in her athletic programs and activities. Whenever possible, show your support by attending after school games and other extracurricular sports programs.

Make sports fun by designing parties with an athletic theme, such as a volleyball and pizza party.

Be active yourself. By example, you show your daughter the value and pleasure of athletic pursuits.

Celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day each February. Contact the National Association for Girls and Women in Sports at (703) 476-3450 for more information.

Your attitude, enthusiasm, and encouragement make a real difference!