Paving the Way for Gender Equity in Youth Sports – Episode 115

Research shows that when children play sports, they increase
their chances to grow up healthy, build friendships, and develop
skills like teamwork and respect. And while 94 percent of park
and recreation agencies offer youth sports, there are significant
disparities in who has access to and benefits from sports
participation.


This June as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the passage of
Title IX — the landmark piece of federal legislation prohibiting
sex-based discrimination in education settings — we should
reflect on the many achievements of girls and women in sports.
And today, we’re doing just that with some incredible guests.


Joining me on today’s episode is 10-year-old Evangeline Iarossi
of Tampa, Florida. Evangeline was tired of having her softball
practices canceled because of the inequities that existed between
girls and boys sports, and her Little League complex has multiple
baseball fields but only one softball field. What was a
frustrating, unfair situation inspired Evangeline to reach out to
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, writing a letter requesting that girls
have the same opportunity as boys to participate in sports.


I’m also joined by two of the women who responded to Evangeline’s
request very quickly and started coming up with a plan to make
her wishes a reality. I’m thrilled to welcome Heather
Wolf-Erickson, the Athletics, Aquatics and Special Facilities
Manager for City of Tampa Parks and Recreation (the first woman
in this role in Tampa), as well as Sherisha Hills, the director
for City of Tampa Parks and Recreation.


Tune in below to learn more about how Tampa is responding to
Evangeline’s letter and building on the work they are already
doing to center gender equity in sports and all their other
offerings. You’ll also learn:


What issue Evangeline noticed in her community and what she
included in her letter to Mayor Castor

Why Evangeline’s story resonated with Heather and Sherisha

How the City of Tampa is responding and supporting
Evangeline’s mission

What future plans City of Tampa Parks and Recreation has for
gender equity

How other park and recreation professionals can ensure their
sports programs are equitable and inclusive, and much more!



Related:


City of Tampa Parks and Recreation

@notthe1800s on Instagram

Email Evangeline’s nonprofit

Blog post: Tampa Athletics Director Heather Wolf-Erickson
Fights for the Full Promise of Title IX



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