Girls’ Grants Support Physical Activity, in Pennsylvania
The Women’s Sports Foundation and The Hershey Company give $40,000 to local communities to support participation opportunities for girls
Two young girls smiling together, holding a soccer ball.
NEW YORK, December 30, 2010 – Together, the Women’s Sports Foundation and The Hershey Company awarded a total of $40,000 in grants to five organizations that serve girls across Pennsylvania. The grants were distributed through the Women’s Sports Foundation’s GoGirlGo!, a program created to give girls access to physical activity, particularly those in underserved communities.
GoGirlGo! grants were awarded to organizations in Pennsylvania that provide girls, ages 8 to 12, the opportunity to participate in sports and other physical activities. Research has shown that girls who are physically active are less likely than their inactive peers to become obese, develop diabetes or have other physical and emotional health issues. They also have higher self-esteem, which in turn results in fewer teen pregnancies and eating disorders.
The Women’s Sports Foundation not only provides grants, but also distributes its award-winning educational curriculum at no cost to the organizations. The curriculum is used by program leaders to hold sessions on various health-related topics such as smoking, stress, body image and bullying. The stories feature champion women athlete as role-models for each issue; athletes such as: Jessica Mendoza (Softball), Lisa Leslie (Basketball) and Mia Hamm (Soccer).
The Hershey Company has generously underwritten GoGirlGo! grants in Pennsylvania for the past four years. “The Hershey Company is delighted to partner with the Women’s Sports Foundation,” said Jim George, Vice President, Community Relations. “We are firm believers that physical activity, nutrition, and mentorship are keys to success in the lives of today’s children, especially those living in underserved communities. We are honored to provide these girls with the funding and tools they will need to live a healthier and happier life.”
“The purpose of the Foundation’s GoGirlGo! program is to build healthy, active and confident girls. Our program gives girls the confidence they need to become the next generation of healthy and successful leaders,” said Women’s Sports Foundation CEO Kathryn Olson.
Established in 2001, the Women’s Sports Foundation’s GoGirlGo! Program has nationally awarded more than $4.9 million to institutions providing greater opportunities for girls ages 8 to 18. It has also reached more than one million girls nationally through its curriculum. GoGirlGo! grants have been used to pay for coaching, athletic equipment, supplies, and/or program administration expenses for more than 1,100 organizations.
Below is the list of deserving organizations that received GoGirlGo! Grants:
- Be At Your Best – Erie, Pa.
- Black Women in Sport Foundation – Philadelphia, Pa.
- Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation – Philadelphia, Pa.
- Starfinder Foundation – Philadelphia, Pa.
- Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County – Reading, Pa.
About the Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation—the leading authority on the participation of women and girls in sports—advocates for equality, educates the public, conducts research and offers grants to promote sports and physical activity for girls and women. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, the Women’s Sports Foundation builds on her legacy as a champion athlete, advocate of social justice and agent of change. We strive for gender equity and fight discrimination in all aspects of athletics. Our work shapes public attitude about women’s sports and athletes, builds capacities for organizations that get girls active, provides equal opportunities for girls and women, and supports physically and emotionally healthy lifestyles. The Women’s Sports Foundation is recognized worldwide for its leadership, vision, strength, expertise and influence. For more information, please call the Women’s Sports Foundation at 800.227.3988 or visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org .
About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and more than 12,000 employees. With revenues of more than $5 billion, Hershey offers such iconic brands as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Hershey’s Kisses, Kit Kat, Twizzlers and Ice Breakers as well as the smooth, creamy indulgence of Hershey’s Bliss chocolates. Hershey is a leader in the fast-growing dark and premium chocolate segment, with such brands as Hershey’s Special Dark and Hershey’s Extra Dark. In addition, Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hershey Company, markets such premium chocolate offerings as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba. For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where we live, work and do business. The Milton Hershey School, established by the company’s founder in 1909, provides a nurturing environment, quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. The School is administered by the Hershey Trust Company, Hershey’s largest shareholder, making the students of Milton Hershey School direct beneficiaries of Hershey’s success. Please visit us at www.hersheys.com.
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