By Stacey Serrette
In a media culture, there is no more significant barrier to the encouragement of girls and women to participate in sports and physical activity than the lack of portrayal of women in sports and coverage of their achievements.
On April 15, The Billies, an awards gala held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif., will honor the extraordinary work of the media on the portrayal of girls and women in sports and physical activity.
Once again, Sir Elton John will electrify the audience with a feature performance and we will honor work in the following categories: Journalism, Entertainment, Breakthrough & Innovation, Industry Leader and Outstanding Journalist.
Last year's event raised $1.5 million to help us get girls physically active and we also introduced the new Billie Award designed by artist Alexandra Nechita. The 2008 finalists are:
Journalism- “Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women's Sports” Carol & Graf Publishers, Kathrine Switzer
The story of Kathrine Switzer who broke through the gender barrier in the marathon and helped introduce women's marathon into the Olympic Games.
- “Mamachas” ESPN Deportes
A story about a women's Peruvian soccer team, the current Peruvian national champions, in a league organized by farming communities. The women play in traditional skirts called polleras and sandals called llanques made out of automobile tires, thin string and nails.
- “Pregnant Pause” – ESPN, Produced by Lindsay Rovegno and Arty Berko
A story about how colleges and universities respond to the issue of student-athletes becoming pregnant while on scholarship.
- Series of Articles Chicago Tribune, Melissa Isaacson
- Series of Articles ESPN.com/Kansas City Star, Mechelle Voepel
Entertainment- “Chak! De India” Yash Raj Films, Produced by Aditya Chopra
A film about a group of girls who forgot what it was like to play simply for the love of field hockey. The story revolves around a coach's fight to make the players of Team India overcome their diverse backgrounds and life's obstacles in order to play and win for their country.
- “Generation IX” – Produced by Jack and Leslie Hamann
A documentary about women athletes from the 2005 University of Washington's national champion volleyball team and how they benefited from Title IX. Players and coaches share how issues like race, gender roles and the risk of injury add richness and depth to both modern and historical discussions about athletic equity.
- “Women in American Horse Racing” – American Storyboard, Produced by John Ronan and Sandra Ronan
From jockeys to grooms and from outriders to executives, this documentary shows how talented women are shaping the horse racing industry.
Breakthrough & Innovation- “Women's Soccer Team The Greatest Team Never Heard Of” – Nike, Advertising Campaign
An ad campaign that introduces women's soccer's next greats. The campaign illustrates the dedication of the team and helps the nation further understand a team they would otherwise know next to nothing about. It aims to bring attention to a sport that's always been an underdog in America.
- “Boom Boom Tap” – UnderAmour – Advertising campaign
An ad campaign that promotes female team sports. "Boom Boom Tap" is the rhythm that brings a team together and evokes the noise made by girls as they break from a pre-game huddle.
- “GKA” Fuel TV – Television Series
A series dedicated to women's participation in action sports. The show combines lifestyle elements, such as music and entertainment, with the best female riding on the planet, mixing in trick tips and athlete profiles.
- “Female Snowboarding” Quicksilver/Roxy
A print advertising campaign displaying female snowboarders in their element performing tricks.
For more information about attending The Billies, contact Heidi Lindsay at (800) 227-3988, ext. 164, or by e-mail at HLindsay@WomensSportsFoundation.org.