Mendham Little League: 2012

Parents, Coaches and Players:

Recently Sports Illustrated covered a retrospective on Title IX, the groundbreaking legislation that in 1972 began a revolution to provide equal opportunities to girls in education and athletic activities. If you did not have an opportunity to read it, I have attach it below and hope that you and your daughters do. Unfortunately, because of its length and the pictures, it had to be broken up into separate documents. I think the article by Kelli Anderson on page 49 sums up the impact of Title 9 nicely, and the importance of both the legislation as well as the work we all do to provide our girls with the opportunities they deserve and that will benefit them in years to come. In part, Anderson writes:

"While the effect on opportunities in education has been profound - the number of law and medical degrees going to women has jumped from 7% and 9%, respectively, in 1972 to 47% and 48% in 2010 - the athletic gains have been seismic. According to a report provided by the Women's Sports Foundation, 294,015 girls competed in high schools four decades ago. By last year the number had ballooned to 3,173,549 and its growing....(T)he benefits to Title IX, to women and to society, are almost incalculable. Girls who compete in sports get better grades, graduate at higher rates and have more confidence. The vast majority avoid unplanned pregnancies, drugs, obesity, depression and suicide. Two generations of female athletes - who once could venture no closer than the sideline - have felt the adrenaline rush of competition, learned the value of teamwork, pushed themselves to their physical limits, then coped with the consequences of victory and defeat. They have earned recognition, received scholarships, inspired celebration - even, yes, been drafted and made a living from their talent."

While opportunities to improve remain, I am sure that those of you as old as me will read the article and view the pictures with a smile as to have far we have come, and those of you younger may gain an appreciation of those who came before you and why the events and activities, athletic, educational or otherwise, we all organize, coach, attend, support, etc., are important for reasons that go far beyond the outcome or result.

Thanks, hope you enjoy it, Lori

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1197979/index.htm

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1197978/index.htm

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1197983/index.htm

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1197977/index.htm

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1197986/index.htm

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1197985/index.htm