The Black Women in Sport Foundation (BWSF) hosted its 14th Annual Bridge Girls Lacrosse Play Day on Saturday, June 17, at Temple University’s Geasey Field. The focus of the free Clinic/Play Day was to provide an opportunity lacrosse instruction to urban girls and girls of color. The event provided the participants with an experince, which will benefit them in years to comer. Over the last few years, lacrosse has been one of the fastest growing sports in America.
Elementary and middle school girls, from grades 3 through 8 participated, representing various schools throughout Philadelphia, girls came from the following schools: AB. Day, Benjamin Franklin OST, Duckrey Elementary, Laboratory Charter K-12, Middle Years Alternative, KIPP PCS, Keystone Academy Charter School, Mann Charter, Northwood Academy Charter School, JMT, J.W Lilley, Wagner Middle School, Frankford Friends School, Gesu School and Clayton Middle School.
Lead by Coach Janice Sippio-Henderson, experienced coaches and athletes of diverse ages and ethnicity guided the youth throughout the day’s activities of lacrosse drills. The rainy forecast didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the participants.
The coaches helped the young ladies connect how cradling a lacrosse stick can potentially serve as a bridge to college opportunities. Over lunch, coaches shared their experience with lacrosse, and the impact it has had on their lives. Hopefully, their motivational words will encourage the young ladies to continue their participation in the sport. Coaches and supporters such as BWSF President Tina Sloan Green and Sippio-Henderson, among others, discussed the importance of staying in school, and of never doubting your abilities. The youth and their families were also treated to a special presentation on healthy eating and nutrition by Jiana Murdic, founder & principal wellness strategist, GetFreshDaily, LLC.
After a morning of practicing groundballs, passing/catching, defense/dodging, cradling and shooting on the goal, the girls showcased their skills with a scrimmage. The Bridge Girls Lacrosse Play Day offers girls a unique opportunity to engage in athletics, education, fitness and sisterhood.
About Black Women in Sport Foundation
Established in 1992, the Black Women in Sport Foundation (BWSF) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the involvement of black women and girls in all aspects of sport, including athletics, coaching and administration. To learn more, visit the website: www. blackwomeninsport.org. Twitter: @BWSFandYou Facebook: Facebook.com/BWSFandYou
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