It can improve body image, self-confidence, and the other tools girls need to slam dunk in everything they do. And, it can even help girls make the grade in school. In fact, research shows that female high school athletes are less likely to drop out and more likely to get higher grades and go on to college than their nonathletic counterparts. The good news is, today more girls are getting into the game than ever before. There are still too many people who think getting fit isn't feminine and not enough opportunities for girls to participate at every level.
Young girls are still twice as likely to be inactive as young boys.
That must change. And our report tells us how. It tells us to start at day one and encourage all girls to get involved in sports and physical activity from an early age. It tells us we need more school-based and other recreational programs that foster skills and interests in girls that can last a lifetime. It tells us we need to challenge the stereotypes and barriers that stop girls from participating in sports.