WSF GoGirlGo! Grantee Plays Host to First Lady Michelle Obama
Wednesday, July 18, was a special day for SquashSmarts, a WSF GoGirlGo! Pennsylvania grantee. The organization had the honor of hosting United States First Lady Michelle Obama at the Lenfest Center in Philadelphia in order to raise awareness for her “Let’s Move!” youth health and fitness initiative.
Similarly to our
GoGirlGo! program, “Let’s Move!” provides urban youth with means to get active in attempt to prevent childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles. Michelle Obama’s mission closely echoes the sentiments of SquashSmarts, an afterschool program that provides urban youth in Philadelphia a chance to enjoy the sport of squash and reap the benefits of academic tutoring.
The event was a great success and raised awareness on the importance of staying active, as well as the importance of the national squash and education movement. In the words of one Squash Smarts sixth grader, hosting the First Lady “was the most exciting event SquashSmarts has ever had!”
Said Dana Bernard Sanders, Development Director at SquashSmarts, “The Women’s Sports Foundation has seen something special in SquashSmarts and our kids, and the First Lady does too. You have been an integral part of our students’ successes over the years and we are truly grateful for your trust in our ability to make a difference in the lives of Philadelphia’s youth."